Trump Shares Leaders’ Private Messages as Greenland Tensions Loom over Davos/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump shared private messages from world leaders as his push to acquire Greenland intensified during the Davos summit. His remarks, including criticism of allies and Nobel Peace Prize comments, have escalated tensions across Europe. Danish and French officials reacted strongly, with global diplomacy on edge.
Trump’s Greenland Push at Davos: Quick Looks
- Trump shares private messages from world leaders on social media
- Declares Greenland “imperative for National and World Security”
- French President Macron’s message: “I do not understand” Trump’s move
- Trump slams Norway and Nobel Peace Prize, says he’s focused on security
- Danish MP warns: “If Trump invades, it would be war”
- Trump graphic shows Greenland as ‘US Territory Est. 2026’
- UK defends Chagos Islands deal after Trump calls it “stupidity”
- Trump reiterates tariff threats on eight European countries
Trump Escalates Greenland Dispute With Leaders’ Messages at Davos
Deep Look
DAVOS, Switzerland — The World Economic Forum became a flashpoint of controversy as President Donald Trump used social media overnight to share private messages from multiple world leaders regarding Greenland, reigniting tensions and shocking diplomats ahead of critical economic and geopolitical discussions.
Trump’s aggressive posts—made on his Truth Social account—focused heavily on his ongoing campaign to acquire Greenland, a move he called “imperative for National and World Security.” He claimed to have secured a meeting in Davos with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other global officials to discuss the future of the Arctic island.
“I had a very good telephone call with Mark Rutte… Greenland is imperative… There can be no going back,” Trump wrote. He added, “On that, everyone agrees!”
However, not everyone agrees.
One of the messages Trump shared appeared to be from French President Emmanuel Macron, stating bluntly: “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” A source close to Macron later confirmed the message’s authenticity.
The release of private diplomatic communications stunned European leaders, many of whom were already uneasy over Trump’s increasingly forceful rhetoric. Tensions were heightened further when Trump unveiled a digitally altered image showing himself alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, planting a U.S. flag in Greenland with a sign reading: “US TERRITORY EST. 2026.”
The message was clear—and confrontational.
In a separate post, Trump launched a scathing attack on the United Kingdom, calling its decision to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.” He warned the move undermined global security and proved why Greenland must come under U.S. control.
“Denmark and its European allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING,” Trump declared.
Denmark, France, and the Nobel Peace Prize
The fallout extended beyond Greenland. Trump reignited a long-standing grievance with the Nobel Peace Prize committee, saying the award was “controlled by Norway” and claiming he had no interest in it. The comment came just days after he reportedly told Norway’s prime minister that “U.S. priorities” — like controlling Greenland — were more important than peace accolades.
Adding more fuel, Trump mocked French President Macron’s exclusion from the proposed “Board of Peace” — an international initiative aimed at rebuilding Gaza. “Nobody wants him,” Trump quipped, noting Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited instead.
In Denmark, reactions were fierce. A Danish MP warned bluntly: “If Trump invades Greenland, it would be a war.”
Meanwhile, Europe’s response was quickly materializing behind closed doors.
The European Union is reportedly still considering activating its “anti-coercion instrument” — a so-called “trade bazooka” — in response to Trump’s threats and growing pressure campaign surrounding Greenland.
Trump Reaffirms Tariff Threats on Europe
Last week, Trump announced that unless a deal for the “Complete and Total” purchase of Greenland is made, the U.S. will impose new tariffs on eight European nations — Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, these countries will face a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States. On June 1st, that will rise to 25%,” Trump posted.
European leaders have condemned the move as economic blackmail. Some have warned the escalation could tear apart NATO unity and disrupt transatlantic trade at a critical geopolitical moment.
UK Defends Chagos Islands Decision
In London, British officials pushed back after Trump criticized the UK’s agreement to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Trump described the deal as “unnecessary” and a betrayal of Western strategic interests.
Darren Jones, chief secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, defended the decision during a BBC interview, stating: “We’ve secured Diego Garcia as a military base for the next hundred years… that is the right way to secure the future of the island.”
Jones added that the UK would not be “embarrassed or humiliated” by the agreement and emphasized the need to confront growing global instability with confidence.
Global Backlash and Davos Fallout
Trump is expected to speak Wednesday at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting. But any hopes of focusing on global economic cooperation may now be overshadowed by his unprecedented moves — from sharing confidential communications to issuing public ultimatums over Arctic territory.
The dispute also marks the one-year anniversary of Trump’s second inauguration on January 20, 2025 — a presidency now defined, at least in part, by an intensifying geopolitical gamble over the icy terrain of Greenland.
Whether Trump’s bold moves are seen as strategic genius or reckless diplomacy, one thing is certain: The Greenland controversy is no longer a sidebar — it’s a centerpiece of global tension in 2026.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.