Faisal Islam: What It Was Like Inside the Room with Donald Trump at Davos
I was in the room when President Donald Trump made his entrance, and the initial reception was undeniably warm—a standing ovation greeted him. The scramble to gain entry was astonishing, with many attendees, including heads of state, turned away due to unbelievable security measures.
Inside the Room with Donald Trump: A Sweeping Atmosphere
Minutes into the address, Trump managed to maintain his composure, dropping phrases about wanting the UK to do great. What many anticipated as a strong declaration of his vision for a new global economy quickly shifted to a tone rich with what felt like grandfatherly advice. This was far from the menacing rhetoric seen in his social media posts, where he claimed Greenland would soon be America’s.
So, which version of Trump is the authentic one? Has he adjusted his tone in response to the backlash from his earlier remarks? As I entered, I noted the echoes of an astounding incident from the previous night, where Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, bluntly told attendees that, when it comes to Europe’s economy, you’re dead. This provoked a walkout. Did Trump fear a similar reaction today? His demeanor suggested as much.
A Mellow Tone Amid Rising Tensions
Initially, it seemed Trump was attempting to adopt a more diplomatic approach, possibly influenced by the criticism he had faced. He spoke fondly of Western allies who had expressed concerns over his controversial tweets. Remarkably, he even acknowledged that he probably shouldn’t bring up Greenland—the very territory he has long expressed interest in acquiring.
Yet, as the speech progressed, a darker tone emerged. He first recounted America’s historical role in supporting Greenland and emphasized its friendship with Denmark. But then he provocatively stated that if it weren’t for the United States, everyone in the hall would be speaking German.
Then came the bombshell announcement: he sought immediate negotiations for the USA to acquire Greenland. While he assured the audience that no force would be involved, he insisted on having full title. We want this land to build the ‘greatest Golden Dome ever built,’ he proclaimed, warning Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about his prior comments and asserting that Greenland would also serve as a defense outpost for Canada. I’m asking for a piece of ice… it’s a very small ask, he stated—an incredible moment that resonated throughout the hall.
Reactions: High Stakes and Diverging Opinions
The environment in the Alps was charged with high security and high stakes, setting the stage for the world’s would-be sheriff wielding his new rules. Audience reactions varied: Trump’s efforts at charm earned him polite applause, yet as he transitioned from issues of rigged elections to grievances about other leaders’ speeches, disbelief became palpable among some attendees.
Despite his assurances not to invade Greenland, many were taken aback by his insistence that Europe might hand over the territory. Gavin Newsom, the Democratic Governor of California, dismissed the speech as TACO Tuesday—a jab at Trump’s tendency to back down in the face of strong opposition from leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney. Additionally, Republican Senator Thomas Tillis remarked that Congress would not support Trump’s pursuit of a negotiated annexation of Greenland.
While Trump attempted to de-escalate tensions, he nevertheless took personal shots at various leaders. He reassured the audience of a peaceful approach towards Greenland, yet reiterated that it would ultimately become part of a new America, suggesting that the world should express gratitude for this proposition.
The event may have concluded, but it’s clear that we will be discussing the implications of this speech for some time to come.