Davos Showdown: EU's Von der Leyen Pledges 'Unflinching' Retaliation to Trump's Greenland Tariff Threats, Warns of Transatlantic Spiral

By -


 Trump has long expressed interest in purchasing Greenland (first in 2019, dismissed as "absurd" by Denmark). In recent weeks leading to Davos, he intensified rhetoric via Truth Social, posting a doctored image of himself planting a U.S. flag on Greenland with a sign reading "GREENLAND - US TERRITORY EST. 2026." He threatened tariffs on eight EU countries (not specified in reports, but implied to pressure Denmark/EU). At Davos, Trump told reporters he was open to discussions but downplayed pushback, saying, "I don't think they're going to push back too much."

EU's Response: In her WEF address, von der Leyen warned that Trump's actions risk "plunging U.S. ties with the European Union into a downward spiral," emphasizing that Greenland's sovereignty is "non-negotiable." She pledged an "unflinching, united, and proportional" response, including "full solidarity" with Greenland and Denmark. This could involve countermeasures like retaliatory tariffs, increased EU investments in Greenland (described as "massive" to bolster infrastructure and autonomy), and potential diplomatic or legal actions. She labeled U.S. tariff threats a "mistake" between "long-standing allies."

. The WEF 2026 theme focuses on global cooperation amid climate and geopolitical shifts. Greenland's melting ice caps and mineral resources (e.g., rare earths) make it geopolitically vital. This clash overshadowed other talks on trade, AI, and sustainability, with von der Leyen singling out "the people of the United States" as friends while rebuking Trump's policies.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kano Govt Assumes Prosecution in Dorayi Family Massacre to Ensure Swift Justice

By -
Image
  In a decisive move amid public outrage, the Kano State Government has formally taken over the prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the brutal killing of Fatima Abubakar, a housewife, and her six children at their home in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters. The announcement was made on Monday by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN, during a press briefing. He stated that the decision came directly from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to guarantee that justice is not only done but clearly seen to be done. "This heinous and inhuman act is a grave affront to humanity and the rule of law," Maude said. "On the directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, my office will take over the prosecution of this case to ensure accountability and justice for the victims." The tragic incident, which occurred recently, sparked widespread shock and condemnation across Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu ha...
Read more

Lagos Police Smash Viral 'Self-Kidnapping' Syndicate: Arrest 15-Year-Old Mastermind and Four Others After N1.7m Ransom Extortion

By -
Image
  The Lagos State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on the rising trend of staged or "self-kidnapping" schemes, with the recent dismantling of a notorious syndicate that went viral after a distressing video of a schoolboy pleading for his life circulated widely on social media. In a swift intelligence-led operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, five suspects—including a 15-year-old schoolboy identified as the mastermind—were arrested between December 17 and 18, 2025, in the Ago Palace and Volkswagen Roundabout areas. The group allegedly orchestrated a fake abduction to extort money from the boy's mother, who had recently received approximately ₦4 million from a contribution. The incident first came to light on November 26, 2025, when a missing person report was filed at the Ago Palace Police Division. Public alarm escalated after a viral video emerged showing the teenager, Victor Aligwo, bound and begging for mercy in what appeared to be a kidnappers...
Read more

Misinformation Spreading Faster Than Facts: APC Chieftain Urges Intensified Sensitisation on New Tax Laws to Curb Confusion

By -
Image
 A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has raised the alarm over widespread misinformation surrounding Nigeria's newly implemented tax reform laws, warning that false narratives are undermining public understanding and casting doubt on the Federal Government's pro-people intentions. In a statement issued on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the former lawmaker representing Obokun State Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly lamented that many Nigerians, including educated individuals, remain confused about the provisions of the tax laws that took effect on January 1, 2026. He attributed the confusion to inadequate public sensitisation, the rapid spread of unverified claims on social media, and alleged discrepancies between the bill passed by the National Assembly and published versions. “Widespread misinformation about the tax law has left many Nigerians confused about what, when, and how their earnings will be taxed...
Read more