The new US President made his first international appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, presenting himself as a savior who speaks to the representatives of the global community. He touted a “Golden Age”for the US, claiming that his predecessor, Joe Biden, had lost control over debt, inflation and migration, leading to rising prices worldwide.
In his speech, Trump threatened the world with tariffs, announcing significant tax cuts for the US and inviting companies from around the world to produce in the US. Those who refuse to do so can expect tariffs that would generate billions of dollars for the American treasury.
The President complained particularly about the European Union’s economic behavior, which he deemed unfair to the US. “They don’t buy our food or our cars”he lamented. Saudi Arabia has already announced $600 billion in investments in the US and Trump has asked the Saudi leadership to increase this amount to $1 trillion. Private investors like Japan’s Softbank have also announced hundreds of billions of dollars in investments, totaling in the trillions.
Trump again emphasized the need for NATO member states to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, as he believes the majority of countries have not met their commitments, with the US covering the difference so far.
In his speech, Trump also expressed his intention to end the Ukraine war through lower oil prices. He claimed to have spoken with the Saudi Crown Prince and the OPEC, urging them to lower oil prices, in the hope that a lower oil price would put economic pressure on Russia, making it unable to finance the war.
When asked if the Ukraine war would be over in 12 months, Trump replied, “You should ask President Putin.”He expressed a desire for fair cooperation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he claims to have a good relationship with, but emphasized that the US trade deficits with China must be eliminated.
Finally, the US President assured the audience in Davos that, with him, the world would be better off.