Matt Chorley's Urgent Questions

Did Trump just de-escalate the Greenland row?

9 snips
Jan 21, 2026
David Baddiel, a witty writer and comedian, joins to share insights on his show 'Cat Man' and the unique chaos of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs). He hilariously critiques political exchanges, highlighting the theatrical performances and jabs that define UK politics. Baddiel also champions the virtues of cats and proposes a quirky idea for periodic internet blackouts to boost mindfulness. The duo delves into the implications of Trump's recent comments on Greenland and their impact on UK diplomatic relations.
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INSIGHT

Trump Rules Out Military Action

  • Donald Trump explicitly said he would not use force over Greenland, which reduces immediate military risk.
  • That public refusal is significant given prior uncertainty about his intentions and calms European concerns.
INSIGHT

Reassurance Paired With Coercive Tone

  • Trump's tone mixed reassurance with veiled threats, combining 'I won't use force' and 'you'll be remembered.'
  • That dual message preserves room for economic or political pressure despite ruling out military action.
INSIGHT

Starmer's Strong 'I Will Not Yield' Moment

  • Keir Starmer publicly vowed not to yield to US pressure, marking a firmer UK stance than usual.
  • That statement signals a rare moment of British willingness to resist a US president's demands.
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