‘Ridiculous,’ ‘scary’: How Davos reacted to Trump’s speech in actual time
Trump, in his marquee handle at Davos, laid out his case for why the U.S. ought to take over the Danish territory of Greenland.
However the remarks, which adopted days of escalating rhetoric from the Trump administration, drew damaging reactions from no less than some within the crowd.
“That is ridiculous,” muttered one attendee as Trump broached the topic, whereas others shook their heads.
“That is scary,” one other mentioned after Trump referred to as for “instant negotiations” on a U.S. acquisition of Greenland.
“Sure, we laughed,” one politician informed CNBC after the speech. “However it’s additionally scary to suppose he would possibly truly attempt to execute a few of this.”
— Spriha Srivastava and Kevin Breuninger
Trump swipes at Canadian PM Carney over his Davos speech, says he needs to be ‘grateful’
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks throughout the 56th annual World Financial Discussion board (WEF) assembly in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026.
Denis Balibouse | Reuters
In his Davos speech, Trump angrily referred to as out Canadian Prime Minster Mark Carney by title in response to the allied chief’s beautiful declaration that the worldwide established order was within the midst of a “rupture.”
“Canada will get plenty of freebies from us … they need to be grateful additionally, however they are not. I watched your prime minister yesterday, he wasn’t so grateful,” Trump mentioned.
“Canada lives due to america,” he added. “Keep in mind that, Mark, the following time you make your statements.”
Carney’s personal handle at Davos didn’t point out Trump by title. However the Canadian chief referred to as out “nice powers” weaponizing financial instruments like tariffs, and recommended the “cut price” that got here with American hegemony “not works.”
“You can’t stay inside the lie of mutual profit by means of integration when integration turns into the supply of your subordination,” Carney mentioned.
— Kevin Breuninger
Trump shouldn’t use financial power to accumulate Greenland, Ken Griffin says
Trump shouldn’t threaten Europe with financial power as leverage to accumulate Greenland, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin informed CNBC in an interview.
Trump ought to persuade European allies that it is sensible for the U.S. to accumulate the island, Griffin mentioned.
“It shouldn’t be carried out abruptly,” Griffin mentioned. “It shouldn’t be carried out below any type of both army or financial power. That is simply not the way in which to take care of our allies right here in Europe.”
Trump has threatened a number of European international locations, together with Denmark, with tariffs that might shoot as excessive as 25% if they don’t meet his calls for on Greenland.
CNBC Professional subscribers can watch the complete interview with Griffin right here.
The president will sit down for an interview with CNBC’s Joe Kernen on Wednesday.
— Spencer Kimball
Shares moved greater after Trump dominated out army motion on Greenland
Trump arrived in Davos amid heightened geopolitical tensions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attends the 56th annual World Financial Discussion board (WEF) assembly in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026.
Denis Balibouse | Reuters
Recent off the first anniversary of his second time period in workplace, Trump arrived on the World Financial Discussion board in Davos, Switzerland, amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
The U.S. president is trying to accumulate Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, which has triggered a lot consternation amongst fellow members of the NATO army alliance.
On Tuesday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed CNBC: “The U.S. is again, and that is what U.S. management appears like.”
—Christina Cheddar Berk
