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DAVOS, Switzerland—Let’s get the headline out of the way first. After reading out a long speech from a teleprompter that listed out various domestic accomplishments without once mentioning his recent threats against Denmark, U.S. President Donald Trump, ever the showman, realized what the hundreds of diplomats, world leaders, and businesspeople had gathered in the room to hear. “Would you like me to say a few words of Greenland?” he asked.

The answer was, of course, yes. And then it came.

DAVOS, Switzerland—Let’s get the headline out of the way first. After reading out a long speech from a teleprompter that listed out various domestic accomplishments without once mentioning his recent threats against Denmark, U.S. President Donald Trump, ever the showman, realized what the hundreds of diplomats, world leaders, and businesspeople had gathered in the room to hear. “Would you like me to say a few words of Greenland?” he asked.

The answer was, of course, yes. And then it came.

“I’m seeking immediate negotiations to discuss the acquisition of Greenland,” he announced, even as he admitted he didn’t plan to use force. “All we’re asking for in Greenland is right, title, and ownership. … You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative. You can say no, and we will remember.”

Hours later, an about-turn emerged on, you guessed it, Truth Social. Trump announced a “future deal with respect to Greenland” but held back on details, except to say the expected Feb. 1 tariffs would no longer be imposed. “Further information will be made available as discussions progress.” So, what was the point of the day’s drama?

Commentators have long wondered if the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in the ski resort town of Davos was losing relevance. But Trump always delivers. For all the summit’s carefully crafted sessions on topics such as AI, the economy, and critical minerals, the issue on everyone’s minds was the one that the U.S.........

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