Wed, 21 Jan 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 Faisal Islam: What it was like inside the room with Donald Trump at Davos

Our economics editor says there was mixed reaction in the room during Trump's Davos speech.
Donald Trump's speech at Davos was marked by a standing ovation, but also sparked controversy and criticism. Despite initially attempting to tone down his rhetoric, he made comments that were seen as insulting to Europe and its economy, including claiming that without US involvement, "everyone in this hall would be speaking German". He also announced plans for the US to acquire Greenland through a negotiated settlement, sparking widespread shock and disbelief. The room was filled with tension as Trump's speech veered from attempts at charm to criticisms of other leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney. Many were stunned by his attempts to persuade Europe to hand over the territory, despite promising not to invade it. Trump's comments on Greenland were seen as a clear departure from his previous statements, which had been met with widespread criticism. The US president's pursuit of Greenland was described as "unprecedented" and "outlandish" by some attendees. The reaction to Trump's speech was mixed, with some applauding his attempts at diplomacy while others sat in stunned silence or walked out in protest. The event was seen as a key moment in the global economy, but one that raised more questions than answers about Trump's true intentions and policies. Critics of Trump's comments on Greenland pointed to the long history of US involvement in the region, including military interventions and economic interests. They also questioned why the US president felt entitled to acquire a sovereign territory through negotiation rather than diplomacy or international agreement. The speech also sparked controversy over Trump's proposal for an interest rate cap, which was seen as restrictive to Americans' access to credit. The move was criticized by business leaders, including Jamie Dimon, who said it would have "devastating" consequences for the economy. As the dust settles on the Davos summit, one thing is clear: Donald Trump's speech will be remembered for a long time to come, and its implications for global politics and economics are still being felt.
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