Trump Declares 'Canada Lives Because of United States' in Davos Speech
Former US President Donald Trump has made the striking claim that 'Canada lives because of the United States' during a wide-ranging address to global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. His comments were directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whom he accused of being 'ungrateful' for the benefits Canada receives from its southern neighbour.
Targeted Criticism of Canadian Leadership
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump asserted that Canada enjoys numerous 'freebies' from American protection and should express more gratitude. This criticism came just one day after Prime Minister Carney warned that global diplomacy was currently in the 'midst of a rupture', though he did not mention Trump by name in his own speech.
'Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,' Trump told the audience in the Swiss mountain resort, directly addressing the Canadian leader. He suggested Carney's previous comments demonstrated a lack of appreciation for US support.
Greenland Tensions and Defence Ambitions
The speech also saw Trump double down on his warnings regarding Greenland, declaring that 'no nation can secure Greenland other than the US'. While insisting he would not use force to annex the territory, he has previously threatened tariffs against European countries refusing to support his bid for control.
In his Davos address, Trump promoted his promised Golden Dome defence system, claiming it would protect Canada once fully constructed. This follows his 'Iron Dome for America' executive order issued days after his inauguration, which pledged a cutting-edge missile defence system operational within three years.
Broader Diplomatic Strains
Trump's comments reflect ongoing tensions between the United States and Canada, exacerbated by his previous suggestion that Canada should join the US as the '51st state'. Reports indicate Trump has become increasingly focused on what he perceives as Canada's vulnerability to foreign adversaries.
The former president also used his platform to criticise NATO and Europe, describing the continent as 'unrecognisable' due to immigration patterns. 'I love Europe, and I want to see Europe go good, but it's not heading in the right direction,' he stated, echoing rhetoric common among far-right movements on both sides of the Atlantic.
Prime Minister Carney, while not naming Trump directly in his Tuesday speech, emphasised Canada's opposition to tariffs over Greenland and called for strategic dialogue while supporting Denmark's sovereignty claims over the Arctic territory.
