How Trump stole the show at Davos and revived the WEF: ‘never been more relevant’

At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, President Donald Trump announced the formation of the Board of Peace, describing it as a new international oversight body. The charter-signing ceremony occurred before Trump's departure, although several key US allies were not in attendance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also met with Trump during the forum. Elon Musk made his first appearance at Davos, participating in discussions about space exploration and artificial intelligence. The BBC's Faisal Islam reported on these key events and other highlights from the day.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the EU's lack of political will in countering Russia and addressing global issues. Speaking on Thursday, Zelensky described Europe as "fragmented" and seemingly lost in the face of challenges. This criticism contrasted with his usual positive tone towards the EU, a major political and financial supporter of Ukraine. Earlier, Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump and secured an agreement on post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, which are ready to be signed and ratified. He questioned the delays in establishing a European war crimes tribunal, suggesting a lack of political will within the EU.

Following comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum regarding a potential deal on Arctic security, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserted on Thursday that Denmark's sovereignty is non-negotiable. Trump had stated he agreed to a "framework of a future deal" with the head of NATO. The remarks come after previous interest expressed by Trump in purchasing Greenland, which is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Many Greenlanders feel dismissed by Trump's comments. The Danish Prime Minister made the statement after a meeting in the Foreign Policy Committee in Copenhagen.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Europe to demonstrate greater courage and unity. He warned that NATO's dependence on the United States is vulnerable, citing Russia's growing missile capabilities and recent tensions surrounding Greenland as examples. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Europe to act as a global power to counter these threats. His address aimed to encourage European nations to take a more proactive and independent role in ensuring their collective security. The speech highlights concerns about the shifting geopolitical landscape and the need for Europe to strengthen its own defense capabilities.

During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump repeatedly referred to "Iceland" when he seemingly meant "Greenland." The White House denied any confusion on Trump's part. Trump has previously expressed interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, a territory of Denmark, citing security concerns. He announced a framework for a future deal on Greenland and the cancellation of planned tariffs on European countries. His comments about "Iceland" caused confusion, as he appeared to be discussing Greenland's strategic importance and its impact on the US stock market. The apparent gaffe occurred on Wednesday and has drawn attention due to Trump's previous interest in acquiring Greenland.

In January 2026, President Trump threatened a trade war with Europe, demanding they cede Greenland to the United States. This led to plunging stock markets and frantic activity from European leaders. Trump then reversed course, claiming a future deal for Greenland and the Arctic was reached, suspending planned tariffs. Despite averting the trade war, this action destabilized global trade and increased doubts about cooperating with the U.S. Critics suggest Trump's actions undermine the global trading system and push countries toward China. Despite opportunities to reshape global trade, Trump continues to threaten trade partners with ultimatums, creating uncertainty.

European stock markets rose on Thursday after Donald Trump cancelled planned tariffs on eight European countries. The increase reversed losses from earlier in the week, driven by Trump's initial tariff threat related to Greenland. Analysts attributed the market rebound to a familiar pattern of Trump backing down from aggressive trade measures, dubbed the "Taco trade." The FTSE 100, Germany's Dax, and France's Cac all experienced gains, and Wall Street was forecast to open higher. Investors also reacted positively to developments in the Supreme Court case regarding Trump's attempt to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board. While markets rallied, the S&P 500 and the US dollar remained weaker than their levels from the previous Friday.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump addressed global leaders on Wednesday. He clarified that the U.S. would not use force to acquire Greenland, despite prior interest in the island for national security and rare earth deposits. Trump also criticized NATO's treatment of the U.S. and commented on Europe's changing landscape, while highlighting the strength of the U.S. economy under his leadership. He discussed the U.S.'s competition with China in areas like AI and cryptocurrency. The speech covered a range of topics, from international relations to economic performance, during the annual gathering of global elites.

In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, but called for negotiations with Denmark regarding its annexation. Trump insisted the acquisition of the autonomous Danish territory is crucial to US national security, despite rejection from Greenlanders and European leaders. He stated Denmark has a "choice" to agree or face consequences. Trump claimed the US is uniquely positioned to protect Greenland. An analyst noted this statement as a possible de-escalation, observing a shift in European and Danish strategies towards Trump on the Greenland issue.

President Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, stating there is "no going back," ahead of his planned visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos. When asked how far he would go to acquire the territory, he declined to comment. This comes after warnings from other world leaders about a shift away from established global rules. Trump's arrival in Davos was delayed due to a minor electrical issue on Air Force One. Greenland's minister of industry and natural resources stated that Greenlanders do not want to be Americans and are bewildered by Trump's demands. Trump also discussed NATO, questioning whether member states would come to the aid of the US, while also claiming he has done more for NATO than anyone.

Donald Trump's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, drew massive crowds, with hundreds of elites lining up for hours to secure a seat. The high demand resulted in overflow rooms for those unable to get into the main hall. Attendees included top executives, academics, politicians, and even the president of Latvia. The event took place amidst rising tensions between the US and Europe, partly due to Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland. Some attendees expressed concerns that Trump's speech would be provocative and overshadow the forum's agenda.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, US President Donald Trump delivered a speech covering various topics, including European environmental policies and Greenland. Trump stated he would not use force to acquire Greenland, but then argued for the US's potential ownership of the island. The speech took place during the annual meeting of global leaders in January 2020. The BBC's Economics Editor, Faisal Islam, provided insights into how the speech was received by those present in the room. The purpose of Trump's appearance was to address the global economic community and present his views on key issues.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Canadian politician Mark Carney stated that the existing US-led global order is experiencing a "rupture" characterized by great power competition and a weakening rules-based system. Speaking a day before Donald Trump's arrival, Carney argued that the world will not return to a pre-Trump status quo. He highlighted the benefits Canada derived from the previous order, including American hegemony, but noted the emergence of a system where powerful nations use economic integration for coercion. Carney urged middle powers like Canada to act collectively, warning that individual compliance will not ensure safety. Trump's arrival in Davos is expected to be contentious, particularly regarding his interest in acquiring Greenland, which has strained relations with European allies.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Nato members must unite to protect the Arctic from growing Chinese and Russian influence. He emphasized the importance of a safe Arctic, Atlantic, and Europe for both European and US security. While avoiding direct comment on the US's controversial interest in acquiring Greenland, Rutte agreed with President Trump's assessment that Nato needs to increase its Arctic defense. He noted that seven of the eight countries bordering the Arctic are Nato members, with Russia being the only non-Nato Arctic nation, and China increasingly active in the region. Rutte affirmed that Nato is actively working to collectively defend the Arctic against Russian and Chinese influence.

In Davos, Switzerland, on January 20, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent announcement of new tariffs on European allies related to Greenland. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, von der Leyen questioned Trump's reliability, emphasizing the need to uphold a trade agreement established in July. She stated that the imposition of these tariffs was an error. The EU views the tariffs as a violation of the existing trade deal. The dispute centers around trade relations between the U.S. and Europe following Trump's decision.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting is taking place in Davos, Switzerland from January 19-23, 2026. The forum brings together nearly 3,000 global leaders from business, politics, academia, and civil society to discuss pressing global issues. The WEF, a think tank based in Geneva, has held its annual summit in Davos since 1971. This year's meeting aims to shape global agendas amidst a time of significant global upheaval. Topics of discussion range from economic disparity and climate change to technology and global cooperation. US President Donald Trump is among the expected attendees.

Donald Trump has linked his threats to seize Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in a letter to Norway's Prime Minister. He threatened a 10% tariff on imports from several European countries starting February 1st until the US is allowed to buy Greenland. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs and sanctions in response to what one minister called "blackmail." The mayor of Minneapolis criticized the potential military deployment to the city as exacerbating tensions amid largely peaceful protests against the presence of 3,000 immigration and border patrol officers. Trump stated he no longer feels obligated to think purely of peace.

In January 2026, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store criticized former US President Donald Trump after Trump texted about the Nobel Peace Prize and Greenland. Trump's message stated that because Norway "decided not to" award him the prize, he felt less obligated to focus on peace and reiterated his desire for US control of Greenland. Store responded by clarifying that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, separate from the Norwegian government. The exchange highlights a continued interest by Trump in acquiring Greenland and his perception of the Nobel Peace Prize's influence on his foreign policy decisions.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly opposed President Trump's threat of tariffs against European nations over the potential acquisition of Greenland. Starmer stated on Monday that such tariffs were "completely wrong" and not in anyone's interest, emphasizing that Greenland's future should be decided solely by its people and Denmark. He communicated his views to Trump in a phone call on Sunday, highlighting the importance of alliances based on respect and partnership. Starmer also defended the presence of British military personnel in Greenland as part of a NATO mission focused on security concerns related to Russia. Trump's tariff threats have faced widespread condemnation in Britain, including from political allies.

Donald Trump, while president, imposed tariffs on imported goods, arguing it would boost American manufacturing and reduce the US trade deficit. These tariffs, taxes paid by companies importing goods, could increase costs for consumers. Trump also threatened tariffs against allies like the UK and several European countries for opposing a US takeover of Greenland, and against China, Mexico, and Canada to pressure them on migration and drug control. The legality of Trump's tariffs, enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, was challenged in court, with a US appeals court ruling them mostly illegal in August 2025. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the coming weeks.

US stock futures and European shares declined on Monday after President Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries. The tariffs are in response to these countries opposing the US taking control of Greenland. Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 both experienced significant losses, while Britain's FTSE 100 also declined. Futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average also fell. The targeted European nations criticized Trump's tariff threat, stating that it damages transatlantic relations.

Gold and silver prices surged to record highs on Monday, while European stock markets declined following former U.S. President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on eight European countries. The proposed tariffs, aimed at pressuring those countries to sell Greenland to the U.S., triggered investor concern and a shift towards safe-haven assets. Gold rose 1.6% to $4,666 an ounce, and silver climbed to $94.08 an ounce before easing slightly. European markets like France's Cac 40 and Germany's Dax experienced drops of over 1%. The tariff threat also weakened the U.S. dollar against the Swiss franc and Japanese yen. EU ambassadors are reportedly preparing retaliatory measures in response to Trump's potential actions.

In January 2026, former U.S. President Donald Trump sent a message to Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store expressing resentment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump stated that because Norway "decided not to give" him the prize for supposedly stopping eight wars, he no longer feels obligated to "think purely of peace." The message's authenticity was confirmed by sources and Store himself. Store clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. Trump has a history of expressing bitterness about not receiving the award, which resurfaced after a Venezuelan opposition leader presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. The reasons for Trump directing the message to the Norwegian government remain unclear.

After not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, US President Donald Trump told Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that he no longer felt obligated to focus "purely on peace." In a message confirmed by Store's office, Trump stated his desire to prioritize what is "good and proper" for the United States. He referenced having stopped eight wars and reiterated his interest in the US taking control of Greenland. Store clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. The message suggests a shift in Trump's foreign policy focus away from solely pursuing peace initiatives.

The 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, faces a challenge as traditional ideals of global integration and cooperation clash with current geopolitical realities. Approximately 3,000 participants from 130 countries are attending the annual gathering of global leaders and executives. This year's forum is particularly marked by the influence of President Trump, whose policies and rhetoric stand in contrast to the forum's historical support for globalization and multilateralism. The event highlights a shift where deference to Trump's policies has overshadowed the forum's traditional focus. The forum's slogan, "Committed to Improving the State of the World," is being viewed with skepticism due to the contradictions between the attendees and the current global landscape.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, set to begin in February and increase in June. These tariffs are intended to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland to the United States. Trump claims the acquisition is vital for US national security and to prevent China and Russia from gaining influence in the region. The European Union is holding emergency meetings to discuss a response to Trump's tariff threats. This is not the first time a US president has attempted to purchase Greenland, but leaders in Denmark and Greenland have consistently refused to sell.

Ukrainian officials, including security chief Rustem Umerov, held "substantive" talks with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff in Kyiv regarding economic development, security guarantees, and a prosperity plan for Ukraine. These discussions occurred ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where further talks are planned. President Zelensky aims to secure security guarantee agreements with the U.S. at the Davos forum. The talks come as Ukraine faces ongoing Russian attacks, particularly targeting energy infrastructure during the winter, and seeks clarity from allies on post-war security guarantees. The Ukrainian team also met with US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll.

EU diplomats are holding emergency talks after former U.S. President Trump threatened tariffs on eight European nations (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland) due to their opposition to his renewed attempt to purchase Greenland. Trump stated the tariffs, starting at 10% in February and increasing to 25% in June, would remain until a deal for Greenland's purchase is reached. European leaders, including Macron, Meloni, and van Weel, have condemned the tariffs as "blackmail" and a mistake, with Macron urging the EU to consider using its anti-coercion instrument. The EU-US trade deal, expected to be ratified in February, is now in doubt, with key figures in the European Parliament withdrawing their support. EU leaders von der Leyen and Costa warned the tariffs would damage transatlantic relations.

The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs of $108 billion or market restrictions on US companies in response to former President Trump's threats against NATO allies concerning Greenland. These measures are being prepared to give European leaders leverage during meetings with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump vowed to increase tariffs on eight European countries who have sent military staff to Greenland, until the US is allowed to buy the territory. These countries, already subject to existing US tariffs, issued a joint statement stating that their exercise in Greenland was to strengthen Arctic security and posed no threat. They also expressed readiness for dialogue based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Global stock markets are expected to decline when trading resumes due to President Trump's threat of new tariffs on eight European countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariffs, purportedly linked to Trump's desire to acquire Greenland, are set to begin at 10% on February 1st and increase to 25% on June 1st. Analysts predict losses on the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street, with investors seeking safe-haven assets like gold and silver, which are already seeing price increases. European leaders have criticized the move, fearing it will undermine NATO and disrupt trade agreements. Business groups are urging the EU to respond.

The article discusses the potential failure of the EU's strategy of appeasement towards the US, exemplified by Donald Trump's recent threat of tariffs against countries supporting Greenland. This threat, impacting six EU member states, the UK, and Norway, follows a trade deal signed last July that critics viewed as heavily favoring the US. The EU hoped the deal would stabilize relations and maintain US support for Ukraine. However, Trump's tariff threat has united the European Parliament in opposition to the agreement, with figures across the political spectrum condemning it as blackmail. The future of the trade deal and the EU's approach to the US are now in question.