Top Headlines

Feeds

Trump’s Greenland Claim, Board of Peace Rejection, and Tariff Threat Escalate US‑Europe Rift

Updated (3 articles)

Trump’s Davos Rhetoric Targets Greenland, NATO, and Gaza President Donald Trump announced at the World Economic Forum that the United States claims ownership of Greenland and demanded Denmark’s compliance, while denouncing NATO members’ contributions in Afghanistan and labeling European allies as weak [1][2][3]. He also unveiled a Gaza‑focused “Board of Peace” that would include Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko and an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin [1][2]. The board proposal and the Greenland claim were presented within a week, intensifying transatlantic friction [1][2][3].

European Leaders Reject Board of Peace, Boost Defence Spending The United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy publicly declined participation in the Board, citing sovereignty and subordination concerns [1][2]. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed a non‑escalatory stance, while Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that crossing “red lines” would endanger dignity [1]. In reaction to U.S. pressure, NATO members agreed to raise defence spending from roughly 2 % to 5 % of GDP, a level previously deemed unattainable [2].

Canadian Prime Minister Carney Warns Middle Powers of Strategic Exclusion At Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the moment as a “rupture” in the rules‑based order and urged “middle powers” to cooperate, warning that nations not at the negotiating table risk being “on the menu” [1][2][3]. Following Carney’s assertive remarks, Trump cancelled Canada’s invitation to join the Board of Peace [3]. Carney’s speech drew a standing ovation and highlighted the growing divide between the United States and allied democracies [1][2].

Tariff Threat Triggers EU‑US Trade Suspension, Then Reversal Trump threatened punitive tariffs on eight EU states that supported Denmark’s Greenland stance, prompting the European Parliament to suspend the EU‑US trade agreement [1]. The threat, announced on 18 January, was withdrawn by the following Wednesday, with Trump softening his Greenland language and ending the immediate trade freeze [1]. Analysts note that, despite the paused military threat, economic leverage remains Europe’s most significant vulnerability [1].

Reporting Discrepancies Reveal Varying Scope of Tariff Threats AP reports that Trump threatened tariffs on Switzerland, while CNN specifies eight EU nations, and BBC mentions broader tariff threats without exact numbers [1][2][3]. This inconsistency reflects differing source information on the geographic reach of the pressure campaign. All outlets agree the tariff threat served as leverage over European positions on Greenland and NATO [1][2][3].

Sources (3 articles)

Timeline

Jan 18, 2026 – Trump threatens punitive tariffs on eight EU states over Denmark’s Greenland stance; the European Parliament suspends the EU‑US trade agreement, and Trump withdraws the threat the following week[2].

Jan 21, 2026 – Trump claims ownership of Greenland in a CNN video, intensifying transatlantic tension and prompting European alarm[2].

Jan 22, 2026 – Trump proposes a Gaza‑focused “Board of Peace” that would include Belarus’s leader and invite Russian President Vladimir Putin; the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy reject participation, citing sovereignty concerns[2].

Jan 23, 2026 – Trump revokes Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to the Board of Peace at Davos, signaling a punitive response to Carney’s assertive stance[3].

Jan 23, 2026 – Trump threatens tariffs on Switzerland and demands Denmark cede control of Greenland, warning “or you can say no and we will remember,” raising doubts about NATO cohesion[3].

Jan 23, 2026 – Senator Lisa Murkowski reports hearing allies repeatedly speak of a “new world order,” reflecting diplomatic uncertainty after Trump’s recent moves[3].

Jan 23, 2026 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns Trump’s NATO remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling,” defending Article 5 and the sacrifice of 457 British troops in Afghanistan[3].

Jan 23, 2026 – Former adviser Steve Bannon describes Trump’s approach as a “maximalist strategy” with no resistance yet, underscoring the president’s unilateral tactics[3].

Jan 23, 2026 – Canadian PM Mark Carney urges “middle powers” to unite, warning that nations not at the negotiating table risk being “on the menu,” and stresses the need for legitimacy and rules‑based governance[3].

Jan 25, 2026 – At Davos, Trump declares he will “bend the Europeans to his will over Greenland,” dismissing Denmark’s modest defenses and displaying contempt for European allies[1].

Jan 25, 2026 – After a phone call, Trump uses Truth Social to praise UK forces as “among the greatest of all warriors,” reversing his earlier criticism of Starmer’s NATO comments[1].

Jan 25, 2026 – Canadian PM Mark Carney warns of a “rupture” in the post‑World War II rules‑based order, urging middle powers to act together against US unilateralism[1].

Jan 25, 2026 – Scholars label Trump’s policy a 19th‑century style Monroe Doctrine; historian Jay Sexton calls it “back to the future,” while Christopher Sabatini brands policymakers “backyard‑istas”[1].

Jan 25, 2026 – NATO members agree to lift defence spending from roughly 2 % to 5 % of GDP after Trump’s pressure, marking a shift toward great‑power rivalry and away from the old rules‑based system[1].

Jan 26, 2026 – European leaders draw red‑line limits: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserts EU resilience, Belgian PM Bart De Wever warns crossing red lines endangers dignity, and UK PM Starmer raises concerns about Putin joining the Board of Peace[2].

Jan 26, 2026 – Analysts stress Europe’s economic vulnerability to US leverage; Chatham House, the Financial Times and a 400‑page report by Mario Draghi call for strategic autonomy, massive joint military investment, and reduced reliance on American gas[2].

Historical Context (1953‑1989) – U.S. CIA‑backed coups in Iran (1953) and Guatemala (1954) and invasions of Grenada (1983) and Panama (1989) illustrate the Monroe Doctrine legacy that underpins Trump’s “America First” posture[1].

External resources (6 links)