The Story Trump's Greenland play and the future of transatlantic relations
Jan 22, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Mehreen Khan, The Times' Economics editor, shares firsthand insights from Davos about President Trump's unexpected Greenland proposal and its potential impacts on international markets. Former British ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott analyzes how the UK and Europe must navigate relations with the erratic Trump administration. They explore the reactions from European leaders, the shifting diplomatic landscape, and strategies to strengthen European defense amidst uncertain US commitments.
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Davos As Flashpoint For A Transatlantic Rupture
- Davos became the stage for a sharp transatlantic rupture over Greenland and trade tensions.
- European leaders publicly pushed back, turning a policy spat into a broader crisis of the rules-based order.
Mark Carney Became The European Rallying Point
- Mark Carney's Davos speech crystallised European anger and became the rallying benchmark.
- He exposed European hypocrisy and signalled a new appetite to call out US rule-breaking.
Speeching Down The Crisis
- Trump's Davos address deliberately de-escalated by avoiding explicit tariff threats and pledging not to use force.
- That restraint calmed markets and opened space for urgent behind-the-scenes diplomacy.