During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, former President Donald Trump made a series of claims that have been fact-checked. These claims covered topics including Greenland, NATO contributions, wind energy in China, UK North Sea oil revenue, and US investments.
Key Claims and Fact-Checks
Greenland's Ownership
Trump stated the US "gave Greenland back to Denmark" after World War Two. However, Greenland was never US territory to be returned. An international court ruled Greenland belonged to Denmark in 1933. A 1941 agreement allowed the US to defend Greenland during WWII, but this did not transfer sovereignty.
NATO Funding
Trump claimed the United States paid "virtually 100% of Nato's defence" and that other member countries were now paying 5%. In recent years, US spending accounted for about 70% of total NATO defense spending, decreasing to an estimated 62% by 2025 as other members meet the 2% GDP target. The 5% figure is a long-term aspiration for 2035, not a current contribution level.
US Benefits from NATO
Trump asserted the US had "never gotten anything" from NATO. NATO's founding treaty includes Article 5, a collective defense principle. The US invoked Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks, leading to NATO nations contributing troops and equipment to the US-led war in Afghanistan.
Wind Farms in China
Trump criticized wind energy and claimed he could not find any wind farms in China. China hosts one of the world's largest wind farms, Gansu, and generates more wind energy than any other country. In 2024, China generated 997 terawatt-hours from wind, more than double the amount generated by the US.
UK North Sea Oil Revenue
Trump incorrectly stated the UK takes 92% of North Sea oil revenues. Oil and gas firms in the North Sea pay a 30% corporation tax, a 10% supplementary rate, and a 38% windfall tax (increased in November 2024). This totals 78% of profits, not revenue, and is set to expire in 2030.
US Investment Commitments
Trump claimed his administration secured $18 trillion in investment commitments for America. There is no publicly available evidence to support this figure. A White House website, last updated in November, tracked investments under Trump totaling $9.6 trillion.