Donald Trump has set a provocative tone ahead of his anticipated appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, reiterating his controversial ambition to acquire Greenland and threatening severe new tariffs on French imports.
Provocative Pre-Summit Statements
The former US president, who is scheduled to address the forum on Wednesday, suggested European leaders would not "push back too much" against his renewed push to purchase the autonomous Danish territory. "We have to have it. They have to have this done," Trump stated, underscoring the geopolitical ambition that defined part of his first term.
In a separate economic threat aimed directly at France, Trump proposed imposing tariffs of 200% on French wine and champagne. This drastic measure is reportedly intended as leverage to pressure President Emmanuel Macron to join a proposed Gaza "board of peace."
The Davos Stage Awaits
According to a Reuters report, Trump is expected to meet with global business leaders at the Swiss resort following his address. The news agency cited sources indicating that CEOs from sectors including financial services, cryptocurrency, and consulting have been invited to a reception with him.
His presence is already casting a long shadow over the annual gathering of political and economic elites. On his Truth Social platform, Trump posted an image of what was labelled a "note from President Emmanuel Macon [sic]," which appeared to question his actions regarding Greenland.
Global Leaders Gather in Switzerland
While Trump's arrival is slated for Wednesday, the summit's agenda for Tuesday features a roster of high-profile speakers. Chinese vice-premier He Lifeng is due to deliver an address, representing Beijing's interests.
They will be joined on stage by a host of Western leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron of France, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. The confluence of speeches will set the diplomatic backdrop against which Trump's later interventions will be measured.
The convergence of these statements and meetings at Davos highlights the enduring and contentious role Trump aims to play on the world stage, using economic threats and territorial ambitions as key tools of his foreign policy approach.
