President Trump intensified his controversial campaign to acquire Greenland by sharing an AI-generated image depicting himself planting a U.S. flag on the autonomous Danish territory. The post was made early Tuesday on Truth Social, coinciding with a week that includes his attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where global leaders gather for high-stakes discussions.
The image featured Trump alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, complete with a sign claiming Greenland as a “U.S. territory est. 2026.” In another AI-generated picture, Trump showcased European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, gathered around a map in the Oval Office that portrayed Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as part of the United States.
The provocative posts came as Trump reiterated his commitment to acquiring Greenland, asserting on Tuesday that there was “no going back” on his objective and suggesting a willingness to consider forceful measures if necessary. This push coincides with Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on eight European countries that have recently deployed troops to Greenland, starting February 1. He threatened to escalate those tariffs from 10% to 25% if he does not obtain control of the island by June.
Alongside his social media activity, Trump leaked a series of flattering text messages from world leaders, including Macron and Rutte, who commended his recent foreign policy efforts. “Mr. President, dear Donald — what you accomplished in Syria today is incredible,” Rutte reportedly texted, vowing to highlight Trump’s initiatives during his media appearances at the Davos summit.
European leaders have adopted a mix of flattery and caution in their responses to Trump’s assertiveness over Greenland. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed a sentiment of friendship towards the U.S. but warned of a united and proportional response to any trade measures, including potential retaliatory tariffs that could amount to €93 billion.
As tensions simmer, officials within the EU are contemplating the use of the “trade bazooka,” an array of punitive measures initially designed to combat coercive practices from countries like China. Conversely, Trump has argued that U.S. control over Greenland is crucial for national security, particularly in light of increased Russian activity in the Arctic and his ambition to complete the space-based Golden Dome nuclear defense system.
In a striking move, Trump also warned France of a potential 200% tariff on French wine and champagne unless Macron agreed to participate in his proposed “Board of Peace” aimed at rebuilding Gaza, further complicating diplomatic relations ahead of the Davos summit.
The Greenland issue is expected to dominate discussions at the World Economic Forum, where Trump plans to announce the expansion of his “Board of Peace” initiative, drawing criticism for its perceived attempt to rival the UN Security Council. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a pressing topic, with Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner set to meet with Russian officials during their time in Davos to explore avenues for peace.
As the international community watches closely, the unfolding events underscore the complexities and interdependencies of global diplomacy, trade, and national security considerations.
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