As President Donald Trump embarked on his journey to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, he left the White House on a chilly Tuesday night with a promise of an ‘interesting’ visit. Standing on the South Lawn in freezing 22-degree weather, Trump exuded confidence, describing the upcoming trip as likely to be ‘very successful.’ He highlighted the country’s achievements, particularly the declining gas prices, as evidence that “the country’s never done better.” His speech in Davos is expected to resonate with midterm voters, focusing on issues of affordability.

However, looming over the event is Trump’s keen interest in Greenland. Scheduled meetings with European leaders, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, aim to ease tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over this matter. As he prepared to board Marine One, Trump remarked to reporters, “I think this will be an interesting trip,” adding with a hint of anticipation, “I have no idea what’s going to happen.” He assured that “you will be represented” before setting off on his journey. Once on Air Force One, he took to Truth Social to reaffirm his commitment, stating, “America will be well represented in Davos – by me. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Earlier that day, Trump conducted a lengthy press conference lasting an hour and 45 minutes. When questioned about the lengths he would go to acquire Greenland, he offered an enigmatic “you’ll find out.” The president has maintained that acquiring Greenland is crucial for countering Russia and China, despite Denmark already permitting an American military presence there. He suggested the possibility of a diplomatic path forward, expressing optimism by saying, “I think that we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy.” Nevertheless, his ambitions regarding Greenland have stirred anxiety among NATO members, who fear a potential rift within the alliance.

It’s also sidelined another major world issue – the war in Ukraine – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky opting to skip the summit for now. Overnight Tuesday, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting an American flag on the Danish territory. Trump also shared a message written to him by French President Emmanuel Macron, where Macron was critical of Trump’s rhetoric.

Macron, still, invited the president to Paris on Thursday for an emergency G7 session so the leaders could work out the issue. Trump told reporters that he wasn’t going to take Macron up on his offer – explaining that he doesn’t need to negotiate with the French president because he won’t be in office for much longer. Macron is expected to leave office in May 2027. ‘There’s no longevity there,’ Trump said. ‘I have meetings with the people that are directly involved.’