Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Ireland and Europe weigh options as Trump keeps pressure up over Greenland
Jan 21, 2026
Joining the discussion are Jack Power, the Brussels correspondent for the Irish Times, and Jack Horgan-Jones, a political reporter with a deep understanding of Irish policy. They dive into Trump's controversial demand for Greenland and its implications for Europe. Power analyzes the uncertainty surrounding Europe's response, while Horgan-Jones discusses Ireland's growing anxieties over potential tariffs. They also explore the changing dynamics of US-EU relations and the potential for unified European action amid rising tensions.
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Ownership Over Security Motives
- Donald Trump's Greenland push seems driven more by desire for ownership and show of power than clear security needs.
- Jack Power warns Europe struggles to decode whether it's genuine security concern or Trump seeking to 'own' territory.
Troops Alone Won't Satisfy Demand
- Europeans can offer more Arctic military presence but Trump explicitly demands ownership.
- Jack Power says that willingness to deploy troops won't satisfy Trump's stated objective of acquiring Greenland.
Old Playbooks May Not Work Anymore
- Irish officials see this moment as a shift to erratic U.S. power that can't be managed by past playbooks.
- Jack Horgan-Jones says diplomacy may not work as before because Trump's actions repudiate prior deals.