Trump heads to Davos for Greenland showdown with world leaders after vowing there is no going back: Live updates

Donald Trump is today braced for a showdown with world leaders in Davos as tensions flare between the US and Europe over his threats to seize Greenland.

  • 21 января 2026, 10:30

Donald Trump is today braced for a showdown with world leaders in Davos as tensions flare between the US and Europe over his threats to seize Greenland.

The American President is scheduled to address the World Economic Forum in Switzerland after doubling down on his insistence that the US needs to acquire the arctic territory.

His journey to Europe was delayed after his plane, Air Force One, was forced to turn round after what White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said was a minor electrical issue.

The plane landed safely at Joint Base Andrews near Washington and Mr Trump boarded another aircraft, a modified Boeing 757, to complete the journey.

He is due to address business leaders at Davos, after French President Emmanuel Macron warned yesterday of a shift towards a world without rules where international law is trampled underfoot, and the only law that matters is that of the strongest.

Asked yesterday how far he was willing to go to acquire the semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, Trump replied: Youll find out.

Follow the latest updates as Donald Trump heads to Davos

07:25

US Treasury Secretary: 'Why don't European countries sit down and wait for President Trump to address them?'

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has already arrived in Davos ahead of President Trump's arrival.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Bessent said: 'Why don't European countries sit down and wait for President Trump to address them?'

Nearly 3,000 high-level participants from 130 countries, plus an untold number of activists and observers, are expected to converge on the annual event scheduled to last through Friday for dialogue, debate and deal-making in the Alpine resort.

Trump's third visit as president comes as US allies worry about his ambition to take over Greenland, while Latin America grapples with his efforts to seize Venezuela's oil.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called Trump's planned new tariffs on eight of its countries over Greenland a 'mistake' and questioned Trump's trustworthiness.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the EU could retaliate by deploying one of its most powerful economic tools, known colloquially as a trade 'bazooka'.

epa12664412 US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent attends the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, 20 January 2026. The 2026 summit, running from 19 to 23 January and held under the theme 'A Spirit of Dialogue,' brings together global political leaders, corporate executives, and scientists to address international challenges. EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER

07:17

France asks for a NATO exercise in Greenland and is ready to contribute to it

France has ‌asked for a NATO exercise in Greenland and is ready to contribute to it, French President Emmanuel ​Macron's office said on Wednesday.

News ​of the request ​comes as US President Donald Trump barrels into Davos, ⁠Switzerland, on Wednesday, where he is likely to ​use the ‍World Economic Forum ​to escalate his push for acquiring Greenland despite European protests in the biggest fraying of transatlantic ties ‍in ‍decades.

France's President Emmanuel Macron gestures as he delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 20, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)

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