Trump concluded his speech after access issues arose in the hall.
Security measures were at the highest level, and even celebrities could not get inside.
Some attendees expected Trump to propose new rules for the global economy.
He began with friendly words about his Western allies, who were concerned about his social media posts.
Trump himself acknowledged that perhaps he should not raise the issue of Greenland.
Nevertheless, he announced his intention to conduct 'immediate negotiations' regarding the purchase of Greenland.
According to him, a solution should be found through negotiations, and the use of force will not be necessary. However, the U.S. must obtain 'full ownership rights' to the territory.
“We want this land” to build “the greatest Dome of Gold ever built,” he added.
Trump assured those present that he does not intend to use force regarding Greenland, but he provided several arguments in favor of transferring the island to the U.S.:
- Greenland: He emphasized that only the United States is capable of providing protection for this vast territory, “a huge piece of ice.”
- Force: Despite his decisive words, Trump reiterated that he does not intend to use force. “I don’t need to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
- NATO: He also dismissed rumors that control over Greenland would harm NATO, adding: “We give so much and get so little in return.”
Trump presented his arguments in favor of acquiring Greenland.
Some of them, including concerns about national security and strategic location, were already known.
However, he also noted that the U.S. controlled the island during World War II after Germany occupied Denmark.
“We already owned it, but returned it to Denmark after the war,” he said.
In his opinion, the U.S. “should have kept it.” - Economy: Trump claims that under his leadership, the U.S. experienced an “economic miracle,” inflation has decreased, and the growth rates are “unseen in any other country.”
- Tariffs: He explained that such results are partly due to increased tariffs on imports, “to compensate for the damage.”
- Europe: At the beginning of his speech, he accused Europe of “moving in the wrong direction” due to “rising government spending, mass migration, and endless imports.”
- Migration: Pointing to migration, he added that “some places in Europe are already unrecognizable” due to the influx of “completely different groups of people.”
- Ukraine: He noted that he is negotiating with both President Putin and President Zelensky, believing that both want to make a deal. “I’m meeting with him today,” he added.
- Environment: In his speech, Trump mentioned the “green scam,” which he called “the greatest hoax in history.” He added: “You should make money from energy, not lose it.”
- UK Energy: Noting the situation in the UK, he stated: “The United Kingdom produces only a third of all energy from all sources compared to 1999, and this is one of the reasons why the energy supply level in the country is so low and prices so high.”
Trump undermined Europe’s hopes for resolving the crisis in Greenland.
BBC correspondent in Europe.
The hopes of European countries for a possibility to mitigate the crisis surrounding Greenland were shattered when Trump delivered a sharp critique in favor of seizing the island.
He ignored the persistent statements from Europeans that the island is not for sale and presented its acquisition as a reasonable solution, considering the military support that the U.S. has provided to Europe for decades.
Although Trump promised not to use military force to seize Greenland, the threat of new tariffs remains real.
His assertion that Europe is heading for collapse is not new.
However, in light of current events and the escalation of the dispute over Greenland, the perception of these words may change.
He points to mass migration and imports as factors contributing to the worsening situation.
Nevertheless, he expresses hope that Europe will “achieve great success” and become strong.
Trump speaks of his attachment to this region, reporting on his Scottish and German roots.
However, his speech, at times sharp and inaccurate, clearly does not convey the familial warmth that he claims to feel towards Europe.
Trump on the conflict in Ukraine: “It doesn’t benefit the U.S.”
“I have been working on this war for a year, and during this time I have settled eight other conflicts. For example, India-Pakistan and others. Vladimir Putin told me: ‘I can’t believe you resolved this conflict.’ It lasted 35 years, and I settled it in a day. Putin said: ‘I tried to resolve it for 10 years and couldn’t.’ I replied: ‘Focus on your war, and don’t worry about this one.’
“What benefit does the U.S. get from this work? What do we gain, except for death, destruction, and huge amounts of money going to people who do not appreciate our help? I’m talking about NATO and Europe. They need to deal with Ukraine, not us. The U.S. is far away. There’s a big ocean between us. This is not our war.”
“It doesn’t benefit the U.S. But these are human lives. (…) This is a terrible war. If it continues, it will surpass World War II. The losses are immense, and no one wants to talk about it. Both Ukraine and Russia have lost many people.”
“I am negotiating with Putin and Zelensky, and in my opinion, both want to make a deal. I’m meeting with him today.”
