Good morning from Davos, where anticipation is building as Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes confrontation with fellow world leaders, centred on his controversial ambitions regarding Greenland. The US president is due to deliver a special address at the World Economic Forum today, scheduled for 2.30pm Davos time, which equates to 1.30pm GMT or 8.30am EST.
A Shift in Focus: From Domestic Policy to International Flashpoints
Initially, Trump's speech was expected to focus on his affordability agenda, outlining new policies aimed at reducing housing costs for Americans. However, the tone has shifted dramatically following his recent threats to impose tariffs on European nations that oppose his plans to acquire Greenland. This move has injected a far more international and contentious flavour into the proceedings.
Trump's Stance on Greenland and National Security
Last night, Trump reiterated his position, claiming that the United States requires Greenland for national security purposes. When pressed on how far he is willing to go to secure the territory, he offered a cryptic response: "You'll find out." This has left many observers speculating about potential escalations, though Trump has denied that his threats could jeopardise the Nato alliance, asserting that "things are going to work out very well."
Global Leaders Voice Their Concerns
European leaders have been bracing for Trump's arrival, with France's Emmanuel Macron issuing a stark warning. He described a global "shift toward autocracy against democracy" and a world where "international law is trampled underfoot," with only the law of the strongest prevailing and imperial ambitions resurfacing.
Canada's Mark Carney was even more direct, stating that the "old order is not coming back" and that the world is experiencing "a rupture, not a transition," as great powers assert their influence. Adding a vivid metaphor, California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, summarised the situation by saying, "There's no diplomacy with Donald Trump: he's a T rex. You mate with him or he devours you."
Today's Agenda at the World Economic Forum
The forum's schedule is packed with high-profile sessions and addresses. Key events include:
- 8am Davos / 7am GMT: Scott Bessent holds a press conference on trade matters.
- 9am Davos / 8am GMT: A session titled "Can Russia Sustain a Wartime Economy?"
- 9.30am Davos / 8.30am GMT: Special Address by Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt.
- 10.15am Davos / 9.15am GMT: Session: "Can Europe Defend Itself?"
- 11.30am Davos / 10.30am GMT: Conversation with Jensen Huang, President and CEO of NVIDIA.
- 1pm Davos / noon GMT: Conversation with Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase.
- 1.30pm Davos / 12.30pm GMT: Conversation with Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority.
- 2.30pm Davos / 1.30pm GMT: Special Address by Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.
- 3.45pm Davos / 2.45pm GMT: Special Address by Javier Milei, President of Argentina.
In addition to Trump, other notable figures set to speak today include his ally, Argentina's Javier Milei, as well as Egypt's president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, alongside various leaders from the business and technology sectors. The day promises to be a pivotal moment in global diplomacy, with all eyes on Davos as tensions simmer over Greenland and broader geopolitical shifts.
