Trump’s Greenland threats loom over Davos

U.S. President Donald Trump heads to the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, where his escalating threats toward Greenland are expected to dominate discussions among global leaders.

Trump has shown no sign of backing down from his push to seize control of the Danish territory. Writing on Truth Social late Tuesday, he said there was “no going back” and posted an image depicting himself alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting an American flag in Greenland.

The U.S. president has warned he will impose escalating tariffs on eight European countries starting Feb. 1 if no agreement is reached on transferring U.S. control of Greenland. European Union nations have rallied behind Denmark and are considering a sweeping package of retaliatory tariffs in response. EU leaders are scheduled to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

Speaking in Davos on Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the world is moving away from established rules and international law.

“It’s a shift toward a world without rules, where international law is trampled underfoot and where the only law that seems to matter is that of the strongest,” Macron said, adding that what he called “imperial ambitions” were resurfacing.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European governments not to retaliate against Trump’s threats and called on them to remain open to dialogue ahead of the president’s arrival in Davos.

“I tell everyone: sit back, take a deep breath, do not retaliate,” Bessent said. “The president will be here tomorrow. He will get his message across, he will have meetings, and he will have an open mind.”

Bessent also reiterated the administration’s view that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security.

“The president has a very strong view on Western hemispheric security and believes the United States should not outsource its security,” Bessent said. “Greenland is essential for the Golden Dome missile shield.”