I was inside the hall and witnessed the arrival of President Trump, and it could be said that he received a good reception from the audience, at least initially—a dignified reception.
Alongside that, there was an incredible state of clamor as many sought to enter, and many were turned away—even heads of state.
Security was stunned, preventing even some of the most famous attendees from entering or leaving the hall.
However, within minutes of the speech, Trump remained calm—and even added some remarks about his desire for England and Scotland to do “something great.”
What some considered a day in which the American president would set the rules for his new global economy was filled with wise guidance.
It was far from the intimidating tone dominated by his social media posts claiming that Greenland would be American.
But who is the real Trump? Has he heard how some of his speeches have not aged well?
When I entered, they told me about a staggering incident yesterday where Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, hinted to the audience that “you will die” regarding the European economy.
There was a mass exodus. Was that going to happen today? He seemed to be trying to avoid that.
The Speech Takes a Turn for the Worse
Initially, I thought Trump was trying to take a diplomatic stance, perhaps after hearing some of the significant criticism directed at him and wanting to appear more gracious.
He spoke in a friendly manner about the Western allies who were most concerned about his social media posts.
He even admitted that perhaps he should not speak about the controversial issue of Greenland, which he had repeatedly promised to acquire.
But, as if he could not control himself, the speech seemed to take a turn for the worse.
First, he described America’s role in helping Greenland in the past, including being friendly with Denmark.
But then he stabbed Europe’s largest economy, saying that everyone in the room “would be speaking German” if it weren’t for the United States. And then came this.
He announced that he was calling for immediate negotiations to grant Greenland to the United States.
A negotiated solution, he said, does not require force. But the United States needs “total ownership.”
“We want this land” to build “the greatest golden dome ever built,” he said.
He emphasized the warning of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding his words yesterday, but added that he would also use Greenland to protect Canada.
“I am asking for a piece of ice… it is a very small request.”
It was impossible to see this being said aloud.
Mixed Reactions in the Hall
There was heavy security, high stakes, and high tension in the Alps as the candidate arrived, clutching his new rules.
Reactions in the hall were wide-ranging.
The President’s advances in friendliness seemed to open the door for gentle threats. But as he moved from the photo-op elections to insulting some world leaders and heckling other Davos lecturers, some attendees sat in horror.
Although he promised not to occupy Greenland, many were stunned by his attempts to pressure Europe into the divestment.
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Governor of California, said the speech was “TACO Tuesday,” using a reference to the “Trump Always Caves On” meme used to mock the President.
He pointed out that Trump retreated after the strong confrontation from President Macron and Mark Carney.
A key Republican politician, Thom Tillis, said that the President’s attempts to acquire Greenland, even through a negotiated solution, would not gain Senate support.
So, while Trump tried to reduce tensions, he still criticizes allies—including personal attacks on leaders.
And while he promised not to occupy Greenland, he said it would be part of a New America—and that the world must think about this.
The speech may have finally ended, but we will be talking about it for a long time.
United News Network – UNN Arabic
An independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding between peoples.
For more news, you can visit our homepage:
