Topline
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs against European countries supporting Greenland “a mistake,” with other leaders also criticizing Trump’s plan to seize the Denmark-controlled territory.
Some European leaders no longer consider the United States to be an ally following President Donald Trump’s aggressive push to take control of Greenland.
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Key Facts
California Gov. Gavin Newsom blasted world leaders Tuesday, telling them to “get off your knees and grow a spine” as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to reiterate his plans to take control of Greenland.
Speaking to reporters at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Newsom said that by “standing with more conviction” the European Union has an opportunity to “punch him in the face.”
Von der Leyen said in her special address at the forum on Tuesday that the European response to Trump’s tariffs would be “unflinching, united and proportional,” pledging her “full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.”
Other European leaders spoke critically of the U.S. president, with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever saying during the forum Trump could “make us slaves” unless they take action, Politico reported.
Implementing the Anti-Coercion Instrument is one option the European Union could use against the U.S., French President Emmanuel Macron said, calling it “crazy” that the EU would be driven to deploy a policy designed to retaliate against what it deems economic intimidation.
De Wever considers the U.S. no longer to be an ally, thoughts also shared by Thijs Reuten, a member of the European Parliament who told EuroNews the EU “cannot count anymore on the United States as a partner that will stand with us in European interests.”
Key Background
Worldwide leaders are meeting in Switzerland for the planned forum just days after Trump announced he would be imposing 10% tariffs on eight European countries that last week began providing military aid to Greenland, a territory the president has repeatedly said should fall under U.S. authority for national security reasons. Trump is expected to attend the meeting and give a special address. In a post on Truth Social Tuesday morning, the president said there is “no going back” with his plans to seize Greenland.
What Are Greenland Leaders Saying?
Múte B. Egede, Greenland’s Minister of Finance and Taxation and its former prime minister, said in a Tuesday press conference Greenland is prepared for more pressure from the U.S., according to Greenland newspaper Sermitsiaq. Though he said it’s unlikely the rising tensions will trigger the need for the military, he said “we must be prepared for it.” Trump’s efforts to take over Greenland have been met with defiance from Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who said Monday Greenland will not be pressured. Speaking alongside Egede on Tuesday, Nielsen addressed the emotional and mental toll of Trump’s rhetoric, telling reporters “everyone in society is affected.”
Chief Critic
According to The Guardian, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders to not retaliate: “What I am urging everyone here to do is sit back, take a deep breath and let things play out. The worst thing countries can do is escalate against the United States.
Crucial Quote
Newsom says worldwide leaders are “rolling over” for the president. He told reporters he “should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away. It’s just pathetic. And I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestunson/2026/01/20/europes-response-to-trumps-greenland-tariffs-would-be-unflinching-eu-leader-says/
