Trump issues sharp criticism of Europe at Davos, says continent is ‘no longer recognisable’

US President Donald Trump used his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos to sharply criticise Europe’s trajectory, reignite controversy over Greenland and take aim at allies on multiple fronts.

Trump told a convention hall packed with European officials that parts of the continent were “not even recognisable,” a remark he said reflected negative impressions of Europe’s economic and social policies.

“We can argue about it, but there’s no argument. Friends come back from different places — I don’t want to insult anybody — and say, ‘I don’t recognise it,’” CNN quoted Trump as saying.

“And that’s not in a positive way. That’s in a very negative way,” he added.

He blamed Europe’s immigration stance, rising government spending and what he described as excessive foreign imports for weakening the continent, contrasting it with what he called an “economic miracle” in the United States.

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“I love Europe, and I want to see Europe go good, but it’s not heading in the right direction,” Trump said.

Trump on Greenland

A focal point of Trump’s speech was Greenland, the vast Danish autonomous territory at the centre of a growing transatlantic dispute.

Trump repeated his contention that only the United States could truly “secure Greenland,” arguing its strategic importance in global security — particularly against Russia and China — and urging negotiations for control of the island.

“No nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States,” he said.

He invoked history to bolster his claim, saying the US helped defend Greenland during World War II and questioned the wisdom of returning it to Denmark after the war. Trump called Denmark “ungrateful,” remarks that have stoked diplomatic tensions with a Nato ally.

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Earlier in his speech, Trump acknowledged respect for the people of Greenland and Denmark but insisted that Nato members must shoulder their own defence obligations. He argued that Greenland’s defence was uniquely suited to US capabilities.

Trump targets UK

Britain was also drawn into Trump’s criticisms. He spoke about UK policies — including green energy decisions and North Sea drilling restrictions — arguing that they undermine energy production and economic strength, telling his audience that energy should be profitable.

His remarks targeted the UK’s approach to climate policy and the broader European green agenda.

Venezuela would ‘do fantastically well’: Trump

Trump’s address also touched on Venezuela, as he referenced US actions there and offered optimistic comments about the country’s future economic prospects following the capture of its leader.

He claimed Venezuela would “do fantastically well,” saying it would soon outpace its past two decades in growth, although details on how this would unfold were limited.

Trump takes aim at Canada

Trump also took aim at Canada, saying it “should be grateful” to Washington, a day after Prime Minister Mark Carney warned of a rupture to the US-led global system.

“I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” AFP quoted Trump as telling the World Economic Forum of Carney’s speech, which drew a rare standing ovation from the Davos audience.

“Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements,” Trump said.

The president’s appearance followed a late arrival to Davos due to technical issues with Air Force One. His remarks have intensified debate among world leaders and raised concerns about the future of NATO cohesion, U.S.-European relations and global economic cooperation.

With inputs from agencies