Trump Says Europe ‘Not Heading in Right Direction’ at World Economic Forum in Davos
Swiss Alps, Davos — U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a forceful address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on Tuesday (January 21), sharply criticizing Europe’s political and economic path and defending his administration’s policies on energy and global leadership.
In a speech to world leaders and business figures, Trump said he wants Europe to succeed, but warned that the continent is “not headed in the right direction” and in some places has become “not even recognizable” in a negative way. He linked this to migration and energy policies, arguing that European nations have made choices that harmed their prospects.
Trump framed the United States as the central driver of the global economy, saying when the U.S. economy thrives, the rest of the world benefits, and conversely, when America struggles, others do too.
He reiterated a series of controversial policy points, including:
• A pivot away from certain renewable energy investments, arguing that inefficient wind farms are being dismantled rather than expanded.
• Greater use of traditional energy sources, noting the acquisition of millions of barrels of oil from Venezuela last week as part of his energy strategy.
• Reductions in bureaucratic influence and a belief in firing ineffective regulators and moving them into the private sector.
• A view that Europe should take primary responsibility for supporting Ukraine, rather than relying on the United States.
• A defense of U.S. trade duties as a tool to offset what he described as damage caused by other countries’ policies.
• A claim that the United States leads China in artificial intelligence.
• An assertion that only the U.S. can protect strategic territories such as Greenland, a comment tied to his renewed push for negotiations over the Danish territory.
On nuclear energy, Trump said he personally does not favor it due to perceived risks, even as the U.S. continues to develop its nuclear industry.
Trump’s remarks have heightened tensions with European allies, who have pushed back against his criticisms and policy stances at the annual forum.
Read more: Danish officials to skip Davos as Trump escalates threats on Greenland
.png)
