French President Emmanuel Macron called US tariff threats “fundamentally unacceptable” during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The remarks came amid President Donald Trump’s insistence on American control of Greenland. European leaders rallied against the plan, as markets dipped on fears of trade disruptions.
Macron Challenges Tariff Leverage
Macron spoke directly about protectionism during his Davos address. He targeted the “endless accumulation of new tariffs” from the US. These measures, he said, aim to undermine European exports and weaken the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron addresses tariff threats during his World Economic Forum speech in Davos on January 20, 2026. (Source: BBC)
The French leader grew firmer on sovereignty issues. Tariffs become even worse, Macron noted, when nations use them against territorial claims. France joined military exercises in Greenland to back Denmark, an ally.
Macron tied this to broader lessons from history. Europe must protect its companies, he argued, since others ignore fair trade rules. Growth lags behind the US due to underinvestment, he added.
Trump Shares Private Messages Publicly
Trump posted screenshots of texts from world leaders on Truth Social. One message appeared from Macron, who wrote: “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” Macron addressed Trump as “my friend” but questioned the push.
Trump shares private Macron message on Truth Social, questioning US moves on Greenland. (Source: BBC)
Another text came from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Rutte praised Trump’s actions in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine. He added: “I am committed to finding a way forward on Greenland.”
Trump captioned the posts with enthusiasm. He noted a good call with Rutte and confirmed a Davos meeting. “There can be no going back,” Trump declared in one update.
NATO confirmed the Rutte message as authentic. A source near Macron verified his texts too. Trump also shared AI-generated images of an American flag on Greenland.
European Leaders Push Back Unitedly
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen vowed a firm response. Europe will act “unflinching, united and proportional” on Greenland, she stated at Davos. The EU stays committed to Arctic security.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper faced questions in Parliament. Prime Minister Keir Starmer acts in Britain’s national interest, she said. He stood firm on Greenland’s sovereignty.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen warned of risks to world order. International law matters, he told reporters in Nuuk. Greenland seeks more cooperation but demands respect.
A Greenland parliament member echoed this resolve. Kuno Fencker said locals would fight any attack. Greenland lacks a military but values its right to be heard.
Denmark sent troops, equipment, and advisers to Greenland. This boosts emergency readiness and infrastructure security. More forces arrived to support the territory.
Market Reactions to Tariff Fears
US stocks fell sharply after Trump’s threats. The Dow dropped 728 points, or 1.47%, at open. The S&P 500 lost 1.4%, while Nasdaq slid 1.7%.
Europe’s Stoxx 600 index declined 1.26%. Investors bought gold as a safe haven. The VIX fear gauge jumped 28%, hitting levels not seen since November.
Analysts noted past patterns in Trump’s approach. Markets closed Monday for a holiday, so Tuesday brought the first full reaction. Bond yields rose, and the dollar weakened.
Some buyers held back due to hopes for lower US interest rates. A new Federal Reserve chair might align with Trump’s wishes. Still, the Greenland issue feels more rigid than prior trade spats.
Zelensky Voices Ukraine Concerns
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed worry over distractions. The Greenland row could shift focus from Russia’s war, he told reporters. He urged the US to hear Europe through diplomacy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Source: CNN)
Zelensky respects Denmark’s sovereignty, he stressed. Ukraine needs air defenses and sanctions against Moscow. He plans a Davos meeting with Trump only if the security deals are finalized.
Russia’s recent attacks hit Ukrainian power grids hard. Zelensky prioritizes energy aid amid winter freezes. Allies must deliver concrete results, he said.
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Global Voices Weigh In
China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng addressed Davos, too. Tariff wars hurt the world economy, he stated. No one wins from fragmented trade, Lifeng argued.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged Europe to relax. Relations with allies remain close, he said on the sidelines. Let tensions play out, Bessent advised.
US Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to the UK Parliament. A strong America benefits the world, he told lawmakers. Trump takes threats from Russia and China seriously.
Davos draws more speakers like UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US officials. They face questions on trade, security, and alliances. Trump plans to sideline talks on Greenland.
European leaders seek direct time with Trump. They aim to gauge his true aims beyond social media posts. A crisis meeting occurs on Thursday to plan responses.
Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov commented too. He compared the US interest in Greenland to Crimea’s annexation. Tensions strain Western unity, observers note.
