As world leaders convene in Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, President Donald Trump has reignited international debate by doubling down on his effort to bring Greenland under U.S. control. What might otherwise have been a routine gathering focused on global economic coordination has instead taken on the feel of a high-stakes diplomatic crisis, with tensions rising between the United States and several of its closest European allies.
A Private Message Made Public
Ahead of his Davos trip, Trump publicly shared a private text message from French President Emmanuel Macron. In the message, Macron emphasized cooperation with the United States on issues such as Syria and Iran but expressed confusion about the Greenland push, writing, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” Macron suggested organizing a G7 meeting and a dinner in Paris to “build great things” together.
Shortly after posting the message, Trump shared what appeared to be an AI-generated image of himself planting an American flag on Greenland, accompanied by a sign declaring the island “U.S. Territory. Est. 2026.” The post drew immediate attention and concern from European officials, who viewed it as symbolic of a more aggressive U.S. posture.
Tariffs as Leverage
At the center of the dispute are Trump’s tariff threats. The president has warned of tariffs of up to 25% on eight European nations that oppose his Greenland plans, along with a potential 200% levy on French wine and Champagne. According to CNBC, Trump has tied these threats not only to Greenland but also to participation in his proposed U.N.-endorsed “Board of Peace,” a new diplomatic initiative related to Gaza.
Macron has described the tariff threats as “unacceptable,” and a source close to the French president told CNN that using tariffs to influence French foreign policy is “unacceptable and ineffective.” Trump, for his part, has criticized Macron for reportedly declining to join the Board of Peace, telling reporters that “nobody wants him.”
Allied Pushback
European leaders have responded forcefully. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, after speaking with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, told Trump that “applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong.” Starmer emphasized that security in the High North is a shared NATO priority.
Von der Leyen has accused the United States of violating a recent trade agreement by threatening punitive tariffs and warned of an “unflinching united and proportional response.” Denmark and other European governments argue that Greenland’s security is already covered through existing alliances and that the only real threat to the island comes from U.S. pressure.
Trump’s Strategic Argument
Trump has framed Greenland as vital to U.S. and global security, arguing that European allies cannot adequately protect the Arctic island from potential Chinese or Russian influence. He has questioned Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, suggesting that early exploration does not equate to legitimate sovereignty.
He has also pointed to Britain’s recent transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as an example of what he called “GREAT STUPIDITY,” arguing that it demonstrates why Greenland “has to be acquired.” The British government counters that the strategically important Diego Garcia air base will remain under joint U.S.–U.K. control.
Davos as a Diplomatic Crossroads
The United States has arrived in Davos with what has been described as its largest and most senior delegation ever, anchored by a prominent “USA House” on the town’s main street. The scale of the presence underscores how central Trump’s agenda—particularly Greenland and tariffs—has become.
European leaders are using the forum to search for a way forward. Finnish President Alexander Stubb described the effort as looking for an “off-ramp” that could strengthen Arctic security while easing tensions. Trump has said he had a “very good” call with NATO Secretary General Rutte and agreed to meet with “the various parties” in Davos.
What Comes Next
Trump is scheduled to address the forum and host a signing ceremony for countries joining his Board of Peace. Meanwhile, European governments are weighing retaliatory tariffs and other countermeasures should the U.S. follow through on its threats.
For now, Greenland has become more than a territorial question. It has emerged as a test of alliance politics, trade norms, and how far economic pressure can be used to pursue security goals among long-standing partners. Whether Davos produces compromise or further escalation may shape transatlantic relations well beyond this year’s forum.
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