2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Gavin Newsom Trolls Trump at Davos, and Trump Fires Back: Newsom "Barred from Giving Speech"
Jan 22, 2026
Ashley Etienne, a skilled Democratic strategist, and Matt Whitlock, a savvy Republican strategist, dive into the heated political exchanges at Davos. They discuss Gavin Newsom’s controversial canceled speech under pressure from the Trump administration and analyze Trump's mocking response during his address. The duo debates the implications of Trump's Greenland remarks, assessing their strategic significance and the political motives behind them. As they explore both leaders' media maneuvers, they underline the fine line between political theater and substantive policy.
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Davos Moment Is A Political Rorschach
- Mark Halperin frames the Greenland episode as a political Rorschach: supporters see a masterstroke, opponents see an embarrassment.
- The outcome matters less than whether Trump can claim a win and reshape NATO politics for domestic advantage.
Minerals, Not Security, Drive Greenland Move
- Ashley Etienne argues Trump's Greenland push is about raw earth minerals and leverage, not national security.
- She warns media coverage missed deeper motives tied to tech and weapon supply chains.
Tougher Stance Reflects Real Alliance Frictions
- Matt Whitlock emphasizes the strategic logic: Europe hasn't always been an effective partner, making Trump's tougher stance understandable.
- He cautions that treating allies harshly has real diplomatic and security downsides.