Prof G Markets Europe Braces for Trump’s Greenland Tariffs
148 snips
Jan 20, 2026 
Robert Armstrong, a U.S. financial commentator for the Financial Times, dives into President Trump’s proposed tariffs on Europe and their market implications. He discusses the seriousness of the tariffs and Europe’s potential unified response. Alex Kantrowitz, founder of Big Technology, sheds light on OpenAI's new ad strategy for ChatGPT, exploring its monetization motives and the implications for user trust. The pair also ponder the competitive landscape of the AI industry and what this means for the future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Greenland Tariffs Ratcheting Up Market Risk
- President Trump threatened 10% then 25% tariffs on eight European countries over Greenland, spooking markets and raising geopolitical risk.
- European stocks sold off and gold/silver hit records as investors sought safety.
Taco Versus Fafo Explains Trade Outcomes
- Robert Armstrong frames outcomes as 'taco' (back down) or 'fafo' (fight and escalate) depending on target strength.
- Strong unified European response could force Trump to back off; weak, divided response risks escalation.
Europe's 'Trade Bazooka' Is A Retaliation Tool
- The EU's 'anti-coercion instrument' lets Europe respond with trade retaliation outside normal commitments.
- Robert Armstrong says it effectively frees Europe to be nasty back at coercive partners.