The Playbook Podcast Trump descends on Davos
Jan 21, 2026
Donald Trump's arrival in Davos is the hot topic, with his controversial comments about Greenland stirring anxiety among European leaders. The hosts explore the potential diplomatic fallout and the importance of his personal meetings with world leaders. They also discuss Mark Carney's stark warning about shifts in global order. As Trump prepares for a high-stakes speech, the implications of a Supreme Court case regarding the Fed's independence could have ripple effects on markets and U.S.-Europe relations. A lighter moment includes congratulating J.D. Vance on family news.
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Greenland Talk Shifts European Trust
- Donald Trump's Greenland rhetoric has crystallized European fears about U.S. reliability and the transatlantic order.
- European leaders see his threats as a rupture requiring new resolve and rethinking of alliances.
Calm Diplomacy Quickly Unraveled
- Trump's renewed focus on Greenland abruptly undid a period of relative calm in U.S.-Europe ties and revived high-stakes diplomacy.
- Even if a deal is reached, leaders view the episode as a fundamental rupture in expectations of U.S. behavior.
Deal-Making Over Direct Action
- The most likely outcome remains a negotiated security and economic arrangement rather than annexation.
- Trump often escalates threats then accepts compromise that lets him claim victory while Europe preserves core interests.