January 21, 2026 | 07:24 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - United States President Donald Trump departed for Davos, Switzerland on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) amidst growing tensions with European countries regarding his ambitions to control Greenland. Trump's move is seen as potentially rupturing transatlantic relations, especially with Denmark, a fellow NATO member that governs the autonomous territory.
According to a CNA report, a day before his departure, Trump made sarcastic remarks to European leaders. "I’m going to a beautiful place in Switzerland where I’m sure I’m very happily awaited for," said Trump at the White House. He is scheduled to deliver a speech in Davos at 14:30 local time.
Pressure on Denmark and Europe
Trump insists that resource-rich Greenland is important for the security of the United States and NATO, especially in facing Russia and China in the increasingly open Arctic region due to the melting of ice. When asked about the extent of the steps to obtain Greenland from Denmark, Trump replied briefly, "You'll find out."
European leaders have expressed a united stance in the face of Trump's aggressive approach. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he would stand up to "bullies," while the European Union pledged a strong response to the pressure from the United States.
Trump escalated the pressure by threatening tariffs of up to 25 percent on eight European countries that support Denmark. The threat triggered warnings of retaliation from Europe, although Trump belittled it. "All I have to do is meet it and it's going to go ricocheting backward," said Trump.
Trump Rejects G7 Summit Invitation
In Davos on Tuesday, Macron warned of the United States' efforts to "subdue Europe" and called Trump's tariff threats "unacceptable." Trump then mocked Macron by revealing a brief message from the French President proposing the G7 Summit in Paris to discuss Greenland and Ukraine. Trump stated that he would not attend the meeting.
According to Anadolu report, Trump's trip to Davos was briefly delayed after the presidential plane, Air Force One, had to return to Joint Base Andrews due to electrical issues. "Out of an abundance of caution, AF1 is returning to Joint Base Andrews. The President and team will board a different aircraft and continue on to Switzerland," wrote the White House Rapid Response account on the X platform.
Before departing again, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty of his visit. "This will be an interesting trip. I have no idea what's going to happen, but you are well represented," he told reporters.
Read: Trump Posts Picture of Himself Carrying US Flag in Greenland
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