Donald Trump made his much awaited speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday (22 January). The BBC Economics Editor, Faisel Islam was there, and made this report:
"There was high security, high stakes and high tension in the Alps for the arrival of the would-be sheriff of the world, brandishing his new rules.
The reaction in the room ranged.
The president's attempts at charm seemed to win him polite applause. But as he went from rigged elections to his annoyance at other leaders' Davos speeches, some sat in disbelief.
Even though he promised not to invade Greenland, many were stunned by his attempts to persuade Europe to hand over the territory.
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California said the speech was "TACO" Tuesday, a reference to the "Trump always chickens out" catchphrase used to mock the president.
He argued Trump had backed down after robust pushback from leaders Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney.
A key Republican senator, Thomas Tillis, said the president's pursuit of Greenland, even a negotiated annexation, would not have the backing of Congress.
So while Trump attempted to dial down tensions, he still criticised allies - including personal attacks on leaders.
And while he promised not to invade Greenland, he still said it will be part of the new America - and that the world should thank him for it.
The speech may have eventually come to an end, but we will be talking about it for a long time to come.
source: commonspace.eu with BBC (London)
