Trump Escalates Greenland Obsession, Threatening Allies and Transatlantic Alliance
A series of escalating attacks and leaked private communications from US President Donald Trump have thrown international relations into turmoil, as his pursuit of Greenland dominates the agenda ahead of the Davos forum.
Zurich – US President Donald Trump has ignited a diplomatic firestorm, unleashing a barrage of criticisms aimed at key allies – France, Britain, and Canada – in what appears to be a deliberate effort to assert dominance as the row over Greenland intensifies. In a flurry of posts on his Truth Social platform and remarks to reporters on January 19, 2026, Trump revealed private text messages exchanged with French President Emmanuel Macron and the head of NATO, signaling a dramatic fracturing of long-standing alliances.
These actions have left the transatlantic alliance in its most precarious position since World War II, underscoring Trump’s determination to project power at the upcoming gathering in the Swiss ski resort. The escalating tensions coincide with the first anniversary of Trump’s second inauguration, a term that has already significantly reshaped the global order.
Fractured Relationships with Key Allies
Trump’s most pointed attacks were directed at Macron, as their previously amicable relationship appears to have completely dissolved. The President openly dismissed Macron’s reluctance to participate in his proposed “Board of Peace” – a body intended for conflict resolution – stating, “Nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon.” He followed this with a threat to impose a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne. Concerns have been raised by numerous Western leaders that the “Board of Peace,” initially conceived for Gaza, could evolve into a rival to the United Nations, and the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin has further fueled anxieties.
The President then publicly shared a private text message from Macron, in which the French leader expressed confusion over Trump’s focus on Greenland, writing, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” and proposed a G7 summit in Paris with Russia participating on the sidelines.
Trump’s provocative actions did not stop there. He posted a digitally altered image from a previous meeting with European leaders in the Oval Office, now depicting the United States, Canada, and Greenland all under the American flag. The original photograph, taken last August when European leaders convened at the White House with Ukrainian President Zelensky to reaffirm support for Kyiv, had already been interpreted by some as a symbol of European vulnerability.
Expanding Ambitions and Accusations of “Great Stupidity”
Beyond Greenland, Trump has also advocated for Canada’s incorporation as the 51st US state. He amplified his message with an image of himself proudly displaying the American flag in an icy landscape, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside a sign proclaiming “Greenland. US Territory, Est 2026.”
Britain also found itself in Trump’s crosshairs, with the President criticizing London’s decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as “great stupidity.” The Chagos Islands are home to the strategically important Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base. Notably, Trump had previously endorsed the deal when it was initially signed in May. He explicitly linked this decision to his pursuit of Greenland, framing it as further justification for acquiring the territory due to “National Security reasons.”
A Surprisingly Positive Exchange with NATO
In a surprising turn, Trump concluded his series of posts with a seemingly positive exchange. He revealed a private text message from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who expressed gratitude and a commitment to “finding a way forward on Greenland.” Rutte, who previously referred to Trump as “Daddy” at a NATO summit, added, “Can’t wait to see you.”
These events signal a turbulent period for international diplomacy, leaving European leaders scrambling to reinforce the transatlantic alliance that has been a cornerstone of Western security for the past 80 years. The future of these relationships, and the stability of the global order, now hang in the balance as Trump prepares to further articulate his vision at the Davos forum.
