Donald Trump is set to arrive at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he will hold critical talks over Greenland’s future with angered European leaders.
The US president departed Washington, DC for Switzerland on Tuesday afternoon, after holding a 90-minute press conference in which he revealed he has "a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland” during the Davos trip.
Trump also used the press conference to issue an ominous message about US intentions.
“You’ll find out” was his three-word answer when asked how far he would go to gain the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Trump has refused to rule out using military force to achieve his objectives.
His comments came hours after Emmanuel Macron hit out at “bullies” during a speech to world leaders on Tuesday.
The French president told an audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the EU should not bend to the “law of the strongest”, and should resist what he called “the new colonial approach”.
"We do believe that we need more growth, we need more stability in this world, but we do prefer respect to bullies," Macron told the meeting, which Trump is due to attend later this week.
Read MoreStarmer tells Trump to back off over threat of Greenland trade war
Trump-Greenland latest: Key points
- Trump en route to Davos for critical Greenland talks
- 'You'll find out' how far US will go to obtain Greenland, says US president
- US to cut roughly 200 Nato positions
- Trump appears to confuse Greenland with Iceland in press conference answer
- 'No alternative' but to pause EU-US trade deal, influential German MEP says
Protesters speak out against Trump's Greenland threats
03:10 , Rachel DobkinGreenlander Jens Kjeldsen stands outside the US Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, every morning before sunrise to protest US President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire Greenland.
Kjeldsen told the Associated Press, “I walk together with the three flags of our Commonwealth of Faroe Islands and Greenland and Denmark. We are equal and we want to remain like that, and we stand together with those who stand behind us, like the European Union and NATO.”
Fellow protester Aviaq Brandt told the AP, “I’m here to put our flag in front of the Consulate for United States to show Donald Trump and to show the world that the only flag that belongs in Greenland is our flag.”
Trump departs Washington for Davos
02:52 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarWhat to know about Greenland and its ties to Denmark:
02:50 , Rachel Dobkin- Greenland is the world’s largest island that is not a continent. About 56,000 people live on the island, mostly in the 20 per cent of the land that is not covered by ice and snow.
- Greenland was ruled by Denmark from the early 18th century until 1979, when it gained home rule. In 2009, Greenland gained more autonomy with the Self-Government Act, but Denmark still controls foreign, defence and security policies.
- Greenlanders make money through fishing, but sheep farming is also popular in the far south of the island. Greenland is finding ways to profit from the island’s mineral resources, including gold and natural gas.
Trump says America will be 'well represented' at global economic meeting before heading to Davos
02:30 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump said shortly before 2:30 a.m. GMT that America will be “well represented” at the World Economic Forum before heading to Davos, Switzerland.
“America will be well represented in Davos — by me. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”, the US president wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
Watch: California governor Gavin Newsom tells European leaders to stand up to Trump
02:10 , James ReynoldsHow might US tariffs impact UK consumer finances?
01:50 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has announced plans to hit European nations, including the UK, with increasing tariffs if they continue to back Denmark over Greenland.
With Denmark and allies standing firm, Britain is set to be impacted by fresh 10 per cent tariffs on 1 February, rising to 25 per cent by June.
Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert & Head of Money at smart money app Plum, said while businesses may have to swallow costs or raise prices to offset the levy, the biggest impact for UK consumers would be indirect.
“Tariffs tend to raise costs, and this could slow down further cuts to interest rates if inflation were to remain well above 2 per cent,” he said. “That would have a knock-on impact on mortgage holders. The general uncertainty will also likely mean the Bank of England may want to take a pause before acting.
“However, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the TACO moniker that was widely adopted last year – ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ - after his proposed Liberation Day tariffs, which were soon reduced and shortened in scope after sending markets into a downward spiral.
“So there remains the possibility that such tariffs may not even go ahead.”
Why does Trump want Greenland? The reasons behind US tariff threat that has rocked Europe
01:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has made it known he wants his country to control Greenland, the territory that guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America.
Here’s why Greenland is strategically important to Arctic security:
Why does Trump want Greenland? The reasons behind US threat that has rocked Europe
US TV hosts weigh in on Greenland
01:10 , Rachel DobkinUS television hosts have weighed in on the possibility of the Trump administration acquiring Greenland.
Fox News’ Jesse Watters said, “We have to secure Greenland. It will happen”.
“The United States always secures our interests, economically, militarily, either by force or purchase”, Watters said on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump has tried to pressure a deal to buy Greenland through the threat of tariffs on several European nations, and he has also yet to rule out military force to acquire the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
But Watters’ co-host, Kayleigh McEnany, questioned whether the Republican White House’s ultimate goal is a “military takeover” of Greenland.
“I’m very skeptical that the ultimate goal...is to have a military takeover of Greenland and incorporate Greenland into the United States. Why? If Greenland became a state, they would get two Senate seats. Greenland is deeply, deeply leftist, socialist”, McEnany said. “That’s a political nightmare for Republicans”.
Denmark plans to send up to 1,000 troops to Greenland this year: report
00:48 , Rachel DobkinDenmark has planned to send up to 1,000 troops to Greenland this year as US President Donald Trump bolsters his threats to acquire the semi-autonomous territory, according to a new TV 2 report.
So far, Denmark has sent around 150 soldiers to Kangerlussuaq and roughly the same number to Nuuk, the Danish outlet said.
The Independent View | After an irascible first year, Donald Trump is more dangerous than ever
00:24 , Alex CroftTo mark the first anniversary of his inauguration, Donald Trump held a news conference that was perhaps his most peculiar yet. Armed with a thick sheaf of papers and a stack of laminated mugshots from ICE raids in Minnesota, the leader of the free world embarked on a repetitive, rambling weave of familiar and improbable boasts.
Slow, and low-energy, his delivery didn’t inspire and must have made anyone watching wonder about how this character – 80 years old in June – will perform in his remaining three years in office. Most of the “365 achievements for 365 days” hailed by Mr Trump will not have been felt by Americans suffering from a very real affordability crisis.
Read our editorial here:
After an irascible first year, Donald Trump is more dangerous than ever
Watch: Minister describes Trump's geopolitical discussion as 'not normal'
00:00 , James ReynoldsAnalysis: Special relationship appears to be unraveling
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:44 , Alex CroftThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox writes:
Keir Starmer had earned a reputation as "the Trump whisperer" internationally but the US president's words on the Chagos islands suggest that things are going wrong.
When they first met after the inauguration in February last year, it appeared that Sir Keir could get whatever he wanted from Donald Trump - a trade deal, agreement on Chagos and the UK/ US Diego Garcia airbase, and more.
Now the president has decided the Chagos deal was "completely stupid" as the row over his desire to cede Greenland from Denmark escalated.
Trump has not taken the UK's support for Denmark well at all and the threat of tariffs now seems to be a first step in a relationship that is completely unraveling leaving the prime minister badly exposed.
US to cut roughly 200 Nato positions
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:37 , Alex CroftThe US plans to reduce the number of Nato personnel in key command centers, a move that could intensify concerns in Europe about Washington's commitment to the alliance, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency.
As part of the move, which the Trump administration has communicated to some European capitals, the US will eliminate roughly 200 positions from the Nato entities that oversee and plan the alliance's military and intelligence operations, said the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private diplomatic conversations.
Among the bodies that will be affected, said the sources, are the UK-based Nato Intelligence Fusion Centre and the Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Brussels. Portugal-based STRIKFORNATO, which oversees some maritime operations, will also be cut, as will several other similar Nato entities, the sources said.
The sources did not specify why the U.S. had decided to cut the number of staff dedicated to the Nato roles, but the moves broadly align with the Trump administration's stated intention to shift more resources toward the Western Hemisphere.
The Washington Post first reported the decision.
Trump en route to Davos for critical Greenland talks
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:33 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has departed Washington, DC and is now en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he will meet with European leaders.
The US president said he has “a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland” - and that he believed the US and Nato would make a deal which would make everyone “very happy”.
Most major European leaders are set to be in Davos, but Downing Street is yet to confirm whether British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend.
Greenlanders will be thrilled by a US takeover, Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:16 , Alex CroftDonald Trump was asked about Greenland by a reporter, who noted that the population of Greenland has made clear their opposition to a US takeover.
The US president says that, when he speaks to the Greenlanders, he is "sure they are going to be thrilled".
Watch: Treasury Secretary downplays link between Trump's Greenland plans and quest for Nobel Prize
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:09 , Alex Croft'No alternative' but to suspend EU-US trade deal, German MEP says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 22:56 , Alex CroftThere is “no alternative” but to suspend the EU-US trade deal because of threats over Greenland, a German member of the European Parliament has said.
“By threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an EU Member State and by using tariffs as a coercive instrument, the US undermines the stability and predictability of EU–US trade relations,” Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, told BBC News.
Mr Lange’s committee will need to approve the deal before it is confirmed. Negotiators in Washington and Brussels have been finalising the details for months, of a deal which was first struck between European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US president Donald Trump in July.
“The European Parliament is clear in a unshakable commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland,” Mr Lange added.
Analysis: Why Trump’s chaotic pursuit of Greenland shows only one rule applies in his dangerous global power-grab
Tuesday 20 January 2026 22:00 , James ReynoldsFrom Greenland to Venezuela, Iran to Ukraine, Donald Trump has shaken the world and reshaped global alliances to shore up a new world order under three kings, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
Why Greenland shows only one rule applies in Trump’s dangerous global power-grab
Trump says he's 'against' the UK's Chagos deal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:40 , Alex CroftUS and Nato will find agreement to make everyone 'very happy', Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:21 , Alex CroftThe United States and Nato will come to an agreement on the future of Greenland that will satisfy both sides, US president Donald Trump told a press conference on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Trump had said there was "no going back" on his goal to control Greenland, refusing to rule out taking the Arctic island by force.
"I think that we will work something out where Nato is going to be very happy and where we're going to be very happy, but we need it for security purposes," he said, adding that the alliance would not be very strong without the United States.
Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:00 , James ReynoldsEU leaders will discuss their options for responding to Trump’s threat of tariffs at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday.
One option is a package of tariffs on 93 billion euros ($108 billion) of US imports that could automatically kick in on 6 February after a six-month suspension.
Another option is the "Anti-Coercion Instrument" (ACI), which has never yet been used and which could limit access to public tenders, investments or banking activity or restrict trade in services.
The EU said it was continuing to engage "at all levels" with the US but said the use of its ACI was not off the table.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for calm discussion between the allies, adding he did not believe Trump was considering military action to seize Greenland.
Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now?
Trump says 'you'll find out' how far US will go to obtain Greenland
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:40 , Alex CroftTrump was asked during his press conference how far he would go to obtain Greenland.
“You’ll find out,” was his three-word answer.
The US president has refused to rule out using military force to obtain the semi-autonomous Danish territory - but European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have said they don’t believe he would follow through with this.
'A lot' of Greenland meetings scheduled at Davos, says Trump
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:36 , Alex CroftPresident Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US has "a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland" during at the annual conference of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this week.
Trump told a press conference that he doubted European nations would scrap commitments to invest in the United States if he took action to acquire Greenland.
Trump appears to confuse Greenland with Iceland in press conference answer
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:34 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has appeared to confuse Greenland with Iceland during one of his answers in a long-winded press conference, which lasted more than 90 minutes.
The US president was discussing US trade, arguing that tariffs had made the country “the richest we ever were”.
“We're not being ripped off by every country in the world like we were before,” he said.
“We're doing we're doing numbers that nobody's ever thought possible. We're the richest we ever were,” he added.
“It's because of tariffs and the proper use of tariffs, and we're also the most secure. As an example, Iceland [Greenland], without tariffs, they wouldn't even be talking to us about it. So we'll see what happens.”
Comment: Why does Trump treat his enemies better than his friends?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:27 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump’s public attacks on allies – from Keir Starmer to Emmanuel Macron – reveal a transactional, unpredictable US foreign policy.
Britain must prepare for a world in which ‘friendship’ with America no longer guarantees protection, says Sean O’Grady:
Why does Trump treat his enemies better than his friends?
Starmer and Macron 'get a little bit rough when I'm not around', Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:16 , Alex CroftTrump has now been asked about his relationship with British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron, who have been critical of his desire for a US takeover of Greenland.
“I think I get along very well with them. They always treat me well,” the US president said.
He said they “get a little bit rough” when he isn’t around, “but when I'm around, they treat me very nicely”
Trump added: “They're both liberal. They've got to straighten out their countries.”
Trump: I'm not sure Nato would come to America's rescue
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:00 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has said that “nobody” alive or dead has done more for Nato than he has - and questioned whether the military alliance would come to the defence of the US.
“I got Nato members to agree to raise defense spending to 5 per cent of GDP from 2 per cent,” he said, referring to his push for European countries to decrease their reliance on the US for defence.
“I did more for Nato than any other person alive or dead, and I think for the most part, they'll tell you that. I think you could ask the secretary general [Mark Rutte] about that, he said it, I've done more for Nato than anybody.”
“But Nato has to treat us fairly too. The big fear I have with Nato is we spend teses amounts of money with Nato, and I know we'll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they'll come to ours,” he added.
Trump's trade chief stands firm on tariff threat
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump's threat of tariffs on goods from countries opposing his demand for US control of Greenland is "an appropriate use of tariffs", his trade representative Jamieson Greer said on Tuesday.
Greer said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos that there was "a long history of using tools that are at the nexus of economics and national security in the United States," including export controls, sanctions and tariffs.
Asked whether Trump wanted negotiations over control of Greenland, Greer added: "That's possible, something he's talked about. I think he's very clear on what he expects."
Watch: Starmer condemns US use of tariffs against allies
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:29 , James ReynoldsTrump unsure how Supreme Court will rule on tariffs
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:17 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has said he doesn’t know how the Supreme Court is going to rule on tariffs which his administration has imposed - and threatened - on several countries.
The Supreme Court could potentially strike down the US president’s claim of unprecedented emergency powers giving him the authority to unilaterally levy taxes on imports from nearly every American trading partner, with a ruling expected soon.
“Tariffs, I don’t know what the Supreme Court is going to do,” Trump said.
“Everyone said, Oh, tariffs will cause inflation. We have no inflation. We have very little inflation,” he added.
Consumer prices in the US are still rising above the Federal Reserve’s 2 per cent targets.
Shared responsibility over Arctic could solve Greenland crisis, says Lithuanian president
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:02 , Alex CroftAn agreement on sharing responsibility for the security of the Arctic and the North Atlantic could offer a way out of the stand-off between the United States and Europe over Greenland, Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda said on Tuesday.
In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum's annual meeting, Ms Nauseda told the Reuters news agency that the Greenland row was overshadowing the war in Ukraine and playing into Russia's hands and urged Washington to de-escalate the dispute.
"The best outcome would be just to agree on common responsibility on the security of the Arctic region and North Atlantic region. Is it possible to achieve? We should do our best to go this way, because this is the best way," he said.
Trump arrives for press conference
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:54 , Alex CroftDonald Trump has arrived for his press conference, marking and end to the first year of his second term.
He has started off discussing recent events in Minnesota.
We’ll update you here with any lines relating to Greenland.
Europe cannot afford to be weak, says Polish PM
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:27 , Alex CroftAppeasement is always a sign of weakness and Europe cannot afford to be weak, either against its enemies or allies, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday.
"Appeasement means no results, only humiliation. European assertiveness and self-confidence have become the need of the moment," he added.
Tusk's comments come amid a growing transatlantic dispute over Greenland's future after US president Donald Trump stepped up his push to acquire the vast Arctic island from Nato ally Denmark and threatened to hike tariffs on key European countries that oppose his plan.
We are still waiting for Trump to arrive for his press conference on Tuesday.
Trump to speak shortly
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:07 , Alex CroftDonald Trump is set to join a White House press conference, where he is expected to give an update on Greenland.
Stay with us for all the latest.
What has Trump said about Chagos?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:00 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump blasted Britain's deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago as an act of "total weakness" and "great stupidity" that underlines why he wants to acquire Greenland on Tuesday.
Washington last year gave its blessing to the deal, which gave the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius but retained UK control of the Diego Garcia air base under a 99-year lease.
But Trump reversed that with a typically blunt Truth Social post saying: "Shockingly, our 'brilliant' NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER."
He added: "There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness ... The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired."
Responding, the British government said the deal was made precisely for national security reasons.
"We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it operating as intended in future," a spokesperson said.
Read the full story:
Trump calls Starmer’s Chagos Islands deal act of ‘great stupidity’
'Sad, but TRUE!!!': Trump says he has done more for Nato than anybody else in latest social media outburst
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:05 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump returned to Truth Social on Tuesday to reassert his role in Nato.
He wrote on his own social media platform: “No single person, or President, has done more for NATO than President Donald J. Trump.
“If I didn’t come along, there would be no NATO right now!!! It would have been in the ash heap of History. Sad, but TRUE!!! President DJT”
How might US tariffs impact UK consumer finances?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:01 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump has announced plans to hit European nations, including the UK, with increasing tariffs if they continue to back Denmark over Greenland.
With Denmark and allies standing firm, Britain is set to be impacted by fresh 10 per cent tariffs on 1 February, rising to 25 per cent by June.
Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert & Head of Money at smart money app Plum, said while businesses may have to swallow costs or raise prices to offset the levy, the biggest impact for UK consumers would be indirect.
“Tariffs tend to raise costs, and this could slow down further cuts to interest rates if inflation were to remain well above 2 per cent,” he said. “That would have a knock-on impact on mortgage holders. The general uncertainty will also likely mean the Bank of England may want to take a pause before acting.
“However, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the TACO moniker that was widely adopted last year – ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ - after his proposed Liberation Day tariffs, which were soon reduced and shortened in scope after sending markets into a downward spiral.
“So there remains the possibility that such tariffs may not even go ahead.”
Canada stands with Europe over US threat of tariffs
Tuesday 20 January 2026 16:23 , James ReynoldsPrime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday Canada strongly opposed any US tariffs over Trump's aim to take over Greenland.
"Canada strongly opposes tariffs over Greenland and calls for focused talks to achieve our shared objectives of security and prosperity in the Arctic," Carney said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum.
Trump’s Secretary of Commerce claims US still 'loves' its allies despite Greenland threat
Tuesday 20 January 2026 16:00 , Kate Devlin, Whitehall EditorUnited States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has tried to reassure the UK that the US still loves its allies in the wake of the threat to Greenland.
During an at times tense panel session in Davos, he told the UK chancellor Rachel Reeves, “we love you, we do”.
In an awkward exchange, Mr Reeves responded ‘thank you very much, the feeling is mutual”.
She had earlier urged the US to “think of how your allies can also help you achieve your objectives... as well as helping the Western world to thrive”.
Almost all the added costs from Trump’s tariffs are being pushed on Americans, study finds
Tuesday 20 January 2026 15:30 , James ReynoldsThe people paying for "nearly all" of US President Donald Trump’s tariffs are American consumers, according to a new report from a German analyst group.
A report, released on Monday by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, determined that "foreign exporters did not meaningfully reduce their prices in response to US tariff increases”.
"The $200 billion surge in customs revenue represents $200 billion extracted from American businesses and households”, the report said.
The study determined that only approximately 4 per cent of the financial burden created by the tariffs is being paid by foreign operators. The other 96 per cent has effectively become "a consumption tax on Americans”, according to Kiel's researchers.
Read the full story:
Trump’s tariffs are being paid for by Americans, study finds
Macron pushes for stronger Europe in 2026
Tuesday 20 January 2026 15:20 , James ReynoldsSpeaking in Davos today, Macron also urged a commitment to a stronger Europe in 2026.
He warned that the old continent does not have enough private investments, and suggested it needs Chinese backing in key sectors.
“Europe may be slow, but it is predictable and has rule of law, which is an advantage these days,” he said.
The French president was wary of a shift towards a world “without rules”, as he rallied against Donald Trump’s threats of tariffs against allies in a bid to shake support for Denmark over Greenland.
He said the choice was to “passively accept the law of the strongest”, which he said would lead to a “new colonial approach” - or to defend “effective multilateralism”.
Emmanuel Macron takes a swipe at Trump amid growing rift over Greenland
Tuesday 20 January 2026 15:13 , James ReynoldsEmmanuel Macron took a thinly-veiled swipe at Donald Trump over his claims to have ended eight wars during a speech at the World Economic Forum.
Speaking in Davos on Tuesday, the French president warned of an emerging world of instability, saying there were “more than 60 wars in 2024, an absolute record”.
“Even if I understand that a few of them were fixed,” he added, in apparent reference to Trump’s repeated claims to have ended a series of global conflicts as justification for why he ‘deserved’ the Nobel Peace Prize last year.
Macron told world leaders that the EU should not bend to the “law of the strongest” as Trump ramps up his threats against Denmark and allies over Denmark. “It doesn’t make sense to threaten allies with tariffs,” he added.
“The crazy thing is that we can be put in a situation where we will have to use the anti-coercion instrument towards the US,” he said, as the EU mulls how to respond to Trump’s threat of tariffs against nations backing Copenhagen.
Macron said that he does not plan to speak to Trump at Davos. The US leader earlier today shared a text from Macron suggesting a dinner and a meeting, with disagreement over Greenland still clearly felt.
The French president acknowledged that Nato was a “weakened institution” today, with partners divided over allied territory.