'Trip Was Great, Greenland In Negotiation': Trump Defends Davos Visit, Hails 'Board Of Peace'

Last Updated:January 23, 2026, 07:04 IST

Donald Trump defended his Davos trip, dismissing critical media coverage as “fake news” and hailing progress on Greenland and his newly launched Board of Peace.

A file photo of Donald Trump (AP)

US President Donald Trump on Friday offered a robust defence of his high-profile trip to Davos, speaking aboard Air Force One as he headed back to Washington, and declared the visit a success despite criticism from sections of the media, which he dismissed as “fake news."

“I think the trip was great," Trump said. “We had a lot of good response, even from the fake news. And I think Greenland’s going very well. It’s in negotiation."

Trump was referring to major US and international media outlets that have been critical of his foreign policy initiatives and his controversial proposals aired during the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Trump also repeatedly praised what he described as a landmark initiative unveiled during the trip, the newly created Board of Peace, which he positioned as a transformative body aimed at resolving global conflicts.

“And I think what we did today was great. It was great," he said.

“That’s going to be a great board. That’ll be a board, I think, like no other. Right? That’s a board like no other."

The Board of Peace was formally launched at Davos with leaders and officials from 19 countries signing its founding charter, with Trump serving as chairman and retaining final decision-making authority.

The initiative was initially conceived to oversee the Gaza ceasefire and the reconstruction of the Palestinian territory following the war between Israel and Hamas.

However, its mandate has since expanded to include broader international conflict resolution, prompting scepticism from key US allies and analysts who fear it could function as a rival to the United Nations.

Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with existing multilateral institutions and has complained about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, portraying the Board of Peace as a more effective alternative.

While he has said the body would work “in conjunction" with the United Nations, several European powers, including France and Britain, have expressed reservations about joining, particularly over the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the requirement that countries pay $1 billion for permanent membership.

A significant portion of the Davos proceedings focused on Gaza, where Trump administration officials unveiled ambitious redevelopment proposals.

Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, presented what he described as a “master plan" for the war-ravaged territory, featuring new settlements, seafront hotels and residential complexes branded as “New Gaza."

Trump warned Hamas to disarm during the next phase of the ceasefire or face severe consequences, while also stating he was open to dialogue with Iran.

During the trip, Trump also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with both leaders describing the talks as positive.

Trump reiterated that Russia’s war in Ukraine “has to end," while Zelensky announced upcoming trilateral talks involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv.

Greenland emerged as another flashpoint at Davos after Trump renewed his push for greater US control over the Danish territory.

While the proposal sparked alarm in Europe, tensions eased after Trump announced a “framework of a future deal" and backed away from threats of new tariffs.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen later said the island wanted a “peaceful dialogue" but stressed that its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected.

News world 'Trip Was Great, Greenland In Negotiation': Trump Defends Davos Visit, Hails 'Board Of Peace'

Read More