U.S. President Donald Trump addressed global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, pointing to what he described as major economic gains during his first year back in office.
In his speech, Trump contrasted the current state of the U.S. economy with conditions under the previous administration, saying the country had shifted from “stagflation” to an environment of near-zero inflation and exceptionally strong growth. He cited recent data showing core inflation running at 1.6% over the past three months, while fourth-quarter economic growth is estimated at 5.4%.
Trump also highlighted the performance of financial markets, noting that U.S. stocks have notched 52 record highs since the election, which he said added roughly $9 trillion to retirement accounts and household savings.
According to the president, more than 1.2 million Americans have exited food stamp programs since his inauguration in January 2025. He further claimed that his administration has already attracted over $1 trillion in new domestic investment, exceeding the total secured during the prior four-year term.
Trump pointed to regulatory rollbacks and the use of tariffs as central to his economic agenda, arguing these measures helped narrow what he described as the largest trade deficit in global history. He characterized the United States as “the economic engine of the planet,” suggesting that global growth benefits when the U.S. economy is strong.
He also criticized Europe’s energy policies, singling out Germany and saying the country now produces 22% less electricity than in 2017. Trump added that while he wants Europe to succeed, he believes the region’s economy is “not heading in the right direction.”
Trump outlines Greenland ambitions
During the address, Trump said his administration is seeking “right, title and ownership” of Greenland, framing the move as critical to both U.S. and global security. He noted that the United States previously held Greenland in trust before returning it to Denmark following World War II.
Trump stressed that he does not intend to use military force to acquire the territory, despite arguing that the U.S. would be “unstoppable” if it chose to do so. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he said.
He criticized Denmark’s management of the island, claiming it spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually to operate what he referred to as “a very big piece of ice.” Trump also renewed complaints about NATO, arguing that the alliance has treated the United States unfairly despite years of American support.
According to Trump, Greenland “cannot be defended on a lease,” insisting that full U.S. control would be necessary to ensure the island’s long-term security.
