Trump at Davos: Powell Criticism, Greenland Claims, and the Lisa Cook Firing Bid

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Key takeaways

  • Trump criticizes Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell and signals a replacement will be announced soon (Powell’s term ends in May).
  • Repeated claims that the US “gave back” Greenland to Denmark are reflected, despite legal history noting Greenland’s longstanding status within the Kingdom of Denmark.
  • The speech centers on pro-investment messaging, highlighting 100% expensing rules as a spur to growth.
  • Trump promotes a narrative of federal workforce reductions, arguing private-sector pay growth follows
  • Upcoming engagements include a meeting with Zelenskyy and an Iowa-focused economic speech, underscoring an America-First global stance.

Introduction

From Davos, the US president framed a governance narrative centered on a robust economy and assertive policy execution. The remarks touched on leadership turnover, including the Fed chair tenure, and signaled ongoing engagement with global markets and allies as the administration positions its agenda ahead of midterm dynamics.

Powell Criticism

Trump repeated criticisms of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, calling him “too late” on rate moves and indicating a replacement would be named soon. Powell’s term runs through May, creating a critical juncture for policy and markets as the White House weighs monetary oversight alongside fiscal aims.

Greenland Claim

He reiterated a longstanding claim that the US had “returned” Greenland to Denmark after World War II. Legal and historical records show Greenland’s status within the Kingdom of Denmark, with wartime bases but no ownership transfer. Guardian live coverage notes the complexity of this issue, including a 1946 discussion of a possible purchase that never materialized.

Economic Claims

The speech touted investment incentives, citing 100% expensing rules as a lever to boost corporate investment and growth. Trump asserted the first term was financially successful and framed economic performance as a direct outcome of policy direction and market optimism.

Federal Workforce

Trump highlighted mass firings of federal workers, arguing that private-sector pay gains followed the public-sector shrinkage and that these moves were essential for rebuilding the economy.

Upcoming Events

The president scheduled a later meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine and planned a trip to Iowa for an energy-focused speech, reinforcing an America-First framing on global and domestic policy.

For ongoing coverage, read the Guardian live blog: Guardian live updates.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/jan/21/us-politics-live-supreme-court-fed-lisa-cook-donald-trump-latest-news-updates


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