In his first global address after his inaugural, President Donald Trump virtually spoke at the World Economic Forum on Thursday, laying out his administration’s bold agenda for domestic and international policies. Speaking to global leaders, Trump covered a wide array of topics, including defense spending, U.S.-China relations, the Russia-Ukraine war, border security, and energy independence.
Call for NATO Reform
Trump called for a major overhaul of NATO’s defense contributions, urging member nations to increase their spending to 5% of GDP. Labeling the current financial structure as unsustainable, he stressed the United States’ disproportionate burden, particularly during the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Speaking about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Trump said, “As we restore common sense in America, we’re moving quickly to bring back strength, peace, and stability abroad. I’m also going to ask all NATO nations to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, which is what it should have been years ago.”
A Reset with China
Discussing U.S.-China relations, Trump shared insights from a recent conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He expressed optimism for a better partnership while emphasizing the need for fair trade practices. “All we want is fairness. We just want a level-playing field. We don’t want to take advantage. We have been having massive deficits with China,” he stated. Trump also underscored China’s potential role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting Beijing’s influence over Moscow.
#WATCH | World Economic Forum | On US-China relations and his telephone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump says, “He called me. But I see it very good. I think that we are going to have a very good relationship. All we want is fairness. We… pic.twitter.com/6yqTt7nkDS
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
Ending the Russia-Ukraine War
The President expressed a strong desire to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the conflict. “I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ended.,” Trump declared.
#WATCH | At World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump says, “…I really would like to be able to meet with President Putin soon and get that war ended. That’s not from the standpoint of economy or anything else. It is from the standpoint of millions of lives that are being… pic.twitter.com/dh0zI7dF5Y
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
He also connected high oil prices to the continuation of the war, urging Saudi Arabia and OPEC to reduce prices to facilitate peace. “I am also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to bring down the cost of oil. If the price came down, the Russia-Ukraine war would end immediately. Right now, the price is high enough that the war will continue. You have to bring down the oil price, you have to end that war.
#WATCH | At World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump says, “…I am also going to ask Saudi Arabia and OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) to bring down the cost of oil. You have to bring it down which, frankly, I am surprised they didn’t do before the… pic.twitter.com/cirh3b55M0
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
Southern Border Emergency
Addressing domestic security, Trump announced the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border to halt illegal crossings. He criticized prior administrations for allowing uncontrolled migration, pledging immediate deportations and stronger border policies. “We will not allow our territory to be violated, after 4 long years the US is strong and sovereign and a beautiful nation once again,” he asserted.
#WATCH | At World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump says, “This week I am also taking swift action to stop the invasion at our southern border. They allowed people to come in at levels that nobody had ever seen before. It was ridiculous. I decided and declared to do, a… pic.twitter.com/egLrBhZYLp
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
Energy Independence and Economic Revival
Trump positioned energy independence as a cornerstone of his economic vision. He announced plans to utilize America’s vast oil and gas reserves, which he claimed would lower costs, boost manufacturing, and establish the U.S. as the global hub for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency.
#WATCH | At World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump says, “…The United States has the largest amount of oil and gas of any country on earth and we are going to use it. Not only will this reduce the cost of virtually all goods and services, it will make the United States… pic.twitter.com/s5qiIxyLzw
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
Trump described his election as a “revolution of common sense” and vowed to restore America’s strength and global leadership. “Our country will soon be stronger, wealthier and more united than ever before and the entire planet will be more peaceful and prosperous as a result of this incredible momentum,” he said.
#WATCH | At World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump says, “…It was a massive mandate from the American people like hasn’t been seen in many years and some of the political pundits, even some of my so-called enemies said, it was the most consequential election victory in… pic.twitter.com/pcZN3er6g0
— ANI (@ANI) January 23, 2025
