President Donald Trump conducted a rare press briefing lasting close to two hours in an extended appearance at the White House podium on Tuesday.
The President utilised the platform to enumerate his administration’s accomplishments, launch criticism towards the UN, and firmly reiterate his controversial proposition for the US to assume control of Greenland – a stance that has provoked strong opposition from key European allies.
This lengthy briefing coincided with the anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration. It precedes his scheduled address to international leaders, billionaires, and policymakers at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
His travel to the forum occurs amidst escalating frictions with NATO partners, fueled by his assertive position on Greenland and threats to enforce fresh retaliatory tariffs on multiple European nations.
During the wide-ranging and often meandering session with reporters, Trump leafed through a thick packet of documents that he said listed hundreds of accomplishments from his first year back in office.
He claimed his administration had achieved more than any previous government in a similar period and said it would take more than a week to read through the full list.
At several points, Trump turned his focus to foreign policy, renewing his argument that the US must take control of Greenland for national security reasons, citing concerns about growing strategic competition in the Arctic.
While he struck a slightly more conciliatory tone near the end of the briefing, saying Washington and NATO would “work something out,” he repeated his view that U.S. control of the territory is necessary.
Trump also took aim at the UN, saying the global body has failed to live up to its potential and has been ineffective in resolving conflicts.
He promoted his idea of a Trump-led “Board of Peace,” initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee the Gaza ceasefire plan, but now envisioned as a broader body that could help mediate international disputes.
“The UN just has not been very helpful,” Trump said, adding that while he believes the organisation should continue, his proposed board could one day play a major role in peacemaking efforts.
The president’s remarks come as European leaders have warned that his threats to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland could trigger a major trade dispute and strain long-standing trans-Atlantic ties.
France and several other EU members have already signalled they are prepared to respond if Washington moves ahead with punitive measures.
Trump said his speech in Davos on Wednesday would focus on what he called the “tremendous success” of his administration and would recap progress made over the past year.
The White House has previously said his address would centre on his affordability agenda, particularly housing, in an effort to convince Americans that his policies can ease cost-of-living pressures.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said other countries needed to hear his views on energy and immigration and suggested that his leadership had brought stability in several conflict zones, a claim that has been disputed by critics and fact-checkers.
The marathon briefing, marked by frequent digressions and a mix of domestic and foreign policy topics, underscored Trump’s combative style and his willingness to use high-profile appearances to press his most controversial priorities.
With European leaders already gathered in Davos and Greenland expected to dominate the agenda, Trump’s appearance at the forum is likely to be closely watched for signs of whether he will seek to defuse tensions or continue his hardline approach.
