Former President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on European nations during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, declaring the continent had become "unrecognisable" while singling out the United Kingdom for particular criticism over energy policy.
A Fiery Return to the Global Stage
Taking to the stage for his third appearance at the prestigious gathering, Trump opened with characteristic bravado, expressing delight at addressing "so many friends, and a few enemies." He immediately touted what he called "phenomenal news from America," claiming credit for stock market success and declaring he had "defeated inflation" during his presidency.
Europe in the Crosshairs
The former president quickly turned his attention across the Atlantic, delivering a damning assessment of European nations. "We can argue about it but there's no argument – I mean that in a bad way. It's not heading in the right direction," Trump stated bluntly, suggesting European countries were becoming increasingly unfamiliar in their direction and policies.
This criticism follows escalating tensions between Trump administration figures and European leaders over recent weeks, particularly after the United States announced sweeping 10 percent tariffs targeting NATO members regarding their stance on Greenland.
NATO and Greenland Demands
Trump reiterated longstanding grievances about the transatlantic alliance, asserting "the United States is treated very unfairly by NATO" and that "nobody can dispute it." He elaborated: "We give so much and get so little in return."
The former president then renewed his controversial focus on Greenland, expressing "tremendous respect" for Denmark and the autonomous territory while warning that "no nation or group of nations is able to secure Greenland other than the United States." He described Greenland as sitting "undefended" in a strategic North American position, arguing only America could properly protect and develop the territory for European and American benefit.
"It's the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, develop it and improve it... and make it so it is good for Europe and safe for Europe and good for us," Trump declared, demanding "immediate negotiations" regarding Greenland's acquisition.
UK Energy Policy Under Fire
In one of his most specific critiques, Trump targeted United Kingdom energy policy with brutal precision. "The United Kingdom produces just one third of the total energy from all sources that it did in 1999," he noted incredulously.
"Think of that? One third and they're sitting on top of the North Sea, one of the greatest reserves anywhere in the world – but they don't use it," Trump continued, suggesting this was a primary reason for what he called "catastrophically low levels" of UK energy production alongside "equally high energy prices."
Venezuela Reference and Political Reactions
The former president made reference to recent conflict in Venezuela, where US involvement helped trigger leadership changes after the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. "We appreciate the cooperation, after the attack ended [Venezuela] said 'lets make a deal,'" Trump remarked regarding strikes earlier this year, adding "More countries should do that."
During Prime Minister's Questions in Westminster, Sir Keir Starmer suggested Trump's criticism of the Chagos Islands deal was intended to "pressure" him regarding Greenland negotiations, stating he would "engage constructively" with the US administration and allies.
The speech represents Trump's most comprehensive foreign policy address since leaving office, blending economic nationalism with sharp geopolitical criticism as he positions himself on the global stage ahead of potential political developments.
