LIVE – Updated at 07:54
The flight taking Donald Trump to Davos was forced to turn back to Joint Base Andrews late on Tuesday after the crew on board Air Force One identified a “minor electrical issue”.
The U.S. president and other passengers are now using two smaller planes to head for the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where Trump will hold critical talks over Greenland’s future with angered European leaders.
Mr Trump is expected to be delayed by three hours, according to treasury secretary Scott Bessent. It is unclear the impact the delay will have on his busy schedule at Davos for Wednesday.
Shortly before boarding Air Force One, Trump boasted on social media: “America will be well represented in Davos — by me.”
Before his departure, he held a 90-minute press conference in which he revealed he has “a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland” during the Davos trip. Trump also used the press conference to issue an ominous message about US intentions.
“You’ll find out” was his three-word answer when asked how far he would go to gain the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force to achieve his objectives.
Trump-Greenland latest: Key points
- Breaking: Trump’s plane to Davos turns back over ‘minor electrical issue’
- Donald Trump is again en route to Davos
- Lights in the press cabin of Air Force One go out – report
- ‘You’ll find out’ how far US will go to obtain Greenland, says US president
- Trump appears to confuse Greenland with Iceland in press conference answer
Minister defends Starmer’s absence from Davos
07:54 , Maira Butt
Athena Stavrou reports:
A UK government minister has defended Sir Keir Starmer’s decision not to travel to Davos, stating he has “all kinds of other things he’s doing”.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK prime minister will deal with Trump “in his own way”, rather than speaking with him at the event on Wednesday.
“The prime minister’s got other engagements,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“He has already talked to President Trump on Sunday night and the prime minister spends a lot of his time being criticised for being out of the country – and now you’re saying to me, he should be out of the country more.”
He also said Sir Keir’s “calm approach” to the US president was the right one, adding: “He’s sought common ground with the President of the United States. He’s found common ground, and it led to us getting the first trade deal, among other things, with the US.”
Why Trump’s chaotic pursuit of Greenland shows only one rule applies in his dangerous global power-grab
07:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump publicly signalled that he wanted to grab Greenland for the US before he was formally installed as the 47th President.
Now, a year into his administration, the future of the ice-clad mega-island lies at the centre of a clash between Western civilisations and a potential trade war. But here, understanding the jumble of global contradictions that Mr Trump’s latest fetish for another country’s land can reveal, there’s method, as well as outright madness, in his relations with the outside world.
Trump has undone almost every branch of American democracy. In doing so, he has served the interests of America’s greatest rival, Russia, in ways that apparently make no sense and are hard to fathom.
More here.
Why Greenland shows only one rule applies in Trump’s dangerous global power-grab
Trump to be ‘3 hours late’, says US treasury secretary
07:32 , Maira Butt
President Donald Trump will arrive three hours late to the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday after delays caused by an “electric fault” on Air Force One.
Scott Bessent, US treasury secretary, confirmed the timings on Wednesday.
Starmer says Nato members agree Arctic needs to be secure
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said there is a clear feeling among Nato members that more needs to be done to secure the Arctic.
No 10 said that at yesterday’s cabinet meeting Sir Keir “reiterated that Greenland’s future was a matter for Greenlanders and the Kingdom of Denmark”.
He spoke with European Council president Antonio Costa in a call during which he said the U.K. was prepared to “play its part to protect Arctic security alongside Nato,” according to a Downing Street readout.
Donald Trump has threatened to hit Britain and other European allies with 10 per cent tariffs from 1 February unless they agree to his purchase of Greenland and he has refused to rule out using military force to seize the island.
He has justified his demands by saying that Russia and China threaten the territory, and neither Denmark nor Nato can offer it security.
U.S. culls 200 Nato troops from duty
07:20 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Donald Trump administration will reportedly pull 200 military personnel from Nato and its advisory groups in an effort to reduce its presence.
A US official told the Financial Times that the reduction had been planned for months.
However, it comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and its European ally over Trump’s bid to seize control of Greenland.
Watch: US speaker seeks to ‘calm the waters’ on UK trip
06:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Stocks shaken by geopolitical fears as Trump heads to Davos
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The dollar languished near three-week lows against the euro and Swiss franc today after White House threats over Greenland triggered a broad selloff in U.S. assets, from the currency to Wall Street stocks and Treasury bonds.
Declines in the U.S. dollar accelerated sharply overnight with a 0.53 per cent slide in the dollar index – which measures the currency against six major peers – marking its worst single-day performance in six weeks.It was up slightly at 98.612 today.
The greenback dropped more than 1 per cent against Europe’s shared currency at one point on Tuesday to the lowest since 30 December at $1.1770 per euro. It was last changing hands at $1.1716.
Trump row over Greenland derails Ukraine postwar deal – report
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The European opposition to U.S. president Donald Trump’s bid to seize Greenland and his proposed “Board of Peace” initiative has reportedly disrupted plans for an economic support package for postwar Ukraine.
A planned announcement of an $800bn “prosperity plan” to be agreed between Ukraine, Europe and the U.S. at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week has been delayed, the Financial Times reported, citing six officials.
France calls for Nato exercise in Greenland
06:08 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
France has asked for a Nato exercise in Greenland and is ready to contribute to it, president Emmanuel Macron’s office said this morning.
Earlier this week Macron called for an emergency meeting in Paris with European leaders to address tensions with the U.S. over Donald Trump’s bid to seize Greenland.
The meeting is due to be held after the Davos forum in Switzerland. Trump has told reporters he will not attend it, in part because Macron would not be leading his country for much longer.
What time will Trump address World Economic Forum?
06:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
U.S. president Donald Trump will address the World Economic Forum in Davos today amid a row with European allies over his bid to seize control of Greenland.
Trump’s speech is scheduled to take place between 2.30pm and 3.15pm CET
His arrival in Switzerland is expected to be delayed after his Air Force One plane had to return to Washington due to what the White House called “a minor electrical issue”.
It is unclear at this stage whether the significant delay in departure will affect Trump’s schedule.
Before departing for Davos, Trump warned, “there can be no going back” on his plan to seize Greenland.
‘Trump not welcome’: Protesters burn US flag in Switzerland
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Protesters have burned American flags in the streets of Switzerland, sending a clear message to US president Donald Trump: “You are not welcome”.
Trump is set to arrive in Davos on Wednesday to attend the World Economic Forum, but his trip comes amid growing anger over his threats to takeover Greenland.
“Put the Trumpster in the dumpster” was just one of the many signs at a demonstration in Zurich overnight as thousands gathered to show their opposition to the American leader.
Maira Butt reports.
‘Trump not welcome here’: US president faces backlash as he heads to Switzerland
Trump is again en route to Davos
05:38 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump has now departed Maryland on board a smaller Air Force C-32, a modified Boeing 757, and is again on his way to Davos in Switzerland.
Trump had departed earlier at around 9.30pm local time but was forced to turn back after crew on Air Force One identified a “minor electrical issue”.
After returning to Joint Base Andrews he and other passengers were moved to two smaller planes, and his new aircraft began rolling down the tarmac at 12.02am, according to the reporting pool.
It is unclear at this stage whether the significant delay in departure will affect Trump’s schedule for Wednesday at Davos.
Trump boards new plane
05:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump has boarded a new aircraft while his staff was seen scrambling to transfer luggage and food from Air Force One, which was forced to return to Joint Base Andrews following a “minor electrical issue”.
Trump boarded an Air Force C-32, a modified Boeing 757 normally used by the president for domestic trips to smaller airports, and continued on with his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos shortly after midnight.
Reporters who were travelling with the president to Davos, Switzerland, described seeing a lot of commotion, including several staffers deplaning with their bags.
The travelling entourage will be split into two smaller planes, according to reports.
Trump says he won’t attend emergency meeting on Greenland
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
French president Emmanuel Macron this week called for an emergency meeting in Paris with European leaders to address tensions with the U.S. over Donald Trump’s pursuit to acquire Greenland.
Trump told reporters that he would not attend the meeting, in part because Macron would not be leading his country for much longer.
Earlier this week, Trump shared private texts from Macron and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte on social media.
Past issues involving Air Force One
04:44 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Air safety incidents involving the U.S. president, vice president and other officials are rare, but not unprecedented.
Last February, an Air Force plane carrying secretary of state Marco Rubio to Germany had to return to Washington because of a mechanical issue.
In October, a military plane carrying defence secretary Pete Hegseth had to make an emergency landing in the U.K. due to a crack in the windshield.
Air Force One aborted a landing due to bad weather while carrying president Barack Obama to an event in Connecticut in 2011.
In 2012, the Air Force Two plane carrying then-vice president Joe Biden was struck by birds in California, before it landed without a problem.
Air Force One is seen on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews after returning due to ‘electrical issue’
04:36 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar 
Trump and passengers to head for Davos in two smaller planes
04:22 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump and the passengers who were with him on board Air Force One will now be split up into two smaller planes for the journey to Davos according to CNN.
Air Force One has landed safely back at Joint Base Andrews near Washington after it was forced to turn back because flight crew identified “a minor electrical issue” shortly after takeoff.
Air Force One returns to Washington
04:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Air Force One lands at Joint Base Andrews
04:16 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Donald Trump’s Air Force One has landed at Joint Base Andrews around 11.45pm after it was forced to return to base following a “minor electrical issue”, according to the White House.
Trump will board another aircraft and continue on with his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Republican doesn’t rule out military action to seize Greenland
04:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
A top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee refuses to rule out the use of the U.S. military to seize.
“I think Nato is an important strategic alliance, and I don’t want to see any sacrifice of Nato whatsoever,” said Representative Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“They’re important allies, and we want to see that to continue.”But while Mast, a close Trump ally, said the U.S. and its European allies were having a “hard conversation” that he expected would ultimately bring the longtime allies closer, he did not rule out the Trump administration using military force to take over Greenland, provided it was legally within Trump’s constitutional powers.
“I’m willing to accept any action that takes place based upon the authorities that the administration has,” Mast said.
“There’s not going to be any option that’s taken off the table.”
Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war and the duty to fund the military, while the president serves as head of the armed forces.
Lights in the press cabin of Air Force One go out – report
04:05 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump’s plane, Air Force One, is returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland after departing for Switzerland due to a “minor electrical issue”, the White House said.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the decision to return was made out of an abundance of caution.
A reporter on board said the lights in the press cabin of the aircraft went out briefly after takeoff, but no explanation was offered, the Associated Press reported.
Trump will board another aircraft upon his return and continue on with his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The two planes currently used as Air Force One have been flying for nearly four decades. Boeing has been working on replacements, but the program has faced a series of delays.
Last year, the ruling family of Qatar gifted Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet to be added into the Air Force One fleet, a move that faced great scrutiny.
Leavitt joked to reporters on Air Force One Tuesday night that a Qatari jet was sounding “much better” right now.
Trump says he had a ‘very good call’ with Turkey’s Erdogan
04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Donald Trump said he had a “very good call” with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, without elaborating.
Trump yesterday told reporters during a briefing at the White House that he was going to have “a very important call” with Erdogan.
“It was a very good call,” Trump said, as he left the White House to go to the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
US TV host calls it ‘hilarious’ for Europe to ‘lecture’ America about ‘land grab’
03:45 , Rachel Dobkin
US television host Jesse Watters has called it “hilarious” for Europe to “lecture” America about a “land grab”.
Speaking on Europe’s rebuke of US President Donald Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, a semi-automous terrority of Denmark, Watters said on his Fox News, “Isn’t it hilarious listening to Europeans lecture us about a land grab, when Europe colonized the entire world. Now, they change the rules after they lost their power and empire”.
“What Europe doesn’t understand is that Greenland is an island in North America…And we have dominion over the entire western hemisphere. Europeans cannot just have colonies right off the coast of Maine. We let the British have Bermuda because it’s cute, but if we needed Bermuda, we’d take it. And the British would let it happen”, Watters continued.
Breaking: Trump’s plane to Davos turns back over ‘minor electrical issue’
03:42 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Air Force One with Donald Trump on board is returning to Joint Base Andrews after crew detected “a minor electrical issue”.
Trump left for Davos, Switzerland, late on Tuesday to attend the World Economic Forum, where he is expected to meet European leaders to discuss the potential seizure of Greenland.
However, minutes after the takeoff, the crew identified a “minor electrical issue”, which forced the aircraft to return to base, the White House said.
It added that “out of an abundance of caution, we are turning around, landing at Joint Base Andrews and boarding new aircraft”.
Swedish finance minister calls Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland a ‘new low’
03:25 , Rachel Dobkin
Swedish Finance Minister Elisabeth Evantesson has called US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on several European nations to pressure the sale of Greenland a “new low”.
“I think it’s sad and totally absurd that we have an American president who’s blackmailing the rest of us, trying to get a piece of land or buy it through threats”, Ms Evantesson said in a clip shared by euronews Tuesday. “It’s a new low, so to speak”.
She added: “My message today will be that let’s stand together, let’s put pressure back on the US”.
Protesters speak out against Trump’s Greenland threats
03:10 , Rachel Dobkin
Greenlander Jens Kjeldsen stands outside the US Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, every morning before sunrise to protest US President Donald Trump’s threats to acquire Greenland.
Kjeldsen told the Associated Press, “I walk together with the three flags of our Commonwealth of Faroe Islands and Greenland and Denmark. We are equal and we want to remain like that, and we stand together with those who stand behind us, like the European Union and NATO.”
Fellow protester Aviaq Brandt told the AP, “I’m here to put our flag in front of the Consulate for United States to show Donald Trump and to show the world that the only flag that belongs in Greenland is our flag.”
Trump departs Washington for Davos
02:52 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
What to know about Greenland and its ties to Denmark:
02:50 , Rachel Dobkin
- Greenland is the world’s largest island that is not a continent. About 56,000 people live on the island, mostly in the 20 per cent of the land that is not covered by ice and snow.
- Greenland was ruled by Denmark from the early 18th century until 1979, when it gained home rule. In 2009, Greenland gained more autonomy with the Self-Government Act, but Denmark still controls foreign, defence and security policies.
- Greenlanders make money through fishing, but sheep farming is also popular in the far south of the island. Greenland is finding ways to profit from the island’s mineral resources, including gold and natural gas.
Trump says America will be ‘well represented’ at global economic meeting before heading to Davos
02:30 , Rachel Dobkin
US President Donald Trump said shortly before 2:30 a.m. GMT that America will be “well represented” at the World Economic Forum before heading to Davos, Switzerland.
“America will be well represented in Davos — by me. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”, the US president wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
Watch: California governor Gavin Newsom tells European leaders to stand up to Trump
02:10 , James Reynolds
How might US tariffs impact UK consumer finances?
01:50 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump has announced plans to hit European nations, including the UK, with increasing tariffs if they continue to back Denmark over Greenland.
With Denmark and allies standing firm, Britain is set to be impacted by fresh 10 per cent tariffs on 1 February, rising to 25 per cent by June.
Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert & Head of Money at smart money app Plum, said while businesses may have to swallow costs or raise prices to offset the levy, the biggest impact for UK consumers would be indirect.
“Tariffs tend to raise costs, and this could slow down further cuts to interest rates if inflation were to remain well above 2 per cent,” he said. “That would have a knock-on impact on mortgage holders. The general uncertainty will also likely mean the Bank of England may want to take a pause before acting.
“However, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the TACO moniker that was widely adopted last year – ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ – after his proposed Liberation Day tariffs, which were soon reduced and shortened in scope after sending markets into a downward spiral.
“So there remains the possibility that such tariffs may not even go ahead.”
Why does Trump want Greenland? The reasons behind US tariff threat that has rocked Europe
01:30 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump has made it known he wants his country to control Greenland, the territory that guards the Arctic and North Atlantic approaches to North America.
Here’s why Greenland is strategically important to Arctic security:
Why does Trump want Greenland? The reasons behind US threat that has rocked Europe
US TV hosts weigh in on Greenland
01:10 , Rachel Dobkin
US television hosts have weighed in on the possibility of the Trump administration acquiring Greenland.
Fox News’ Jesse Watters said, “We have to secure Greenland. It will happen”.
“The United States always secures our interests, economically, militarily, either by force or purchase”, Watters said on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump has tried to pressure a deal to buy Greenland through the threat of tariffs on several European nations, and he has also yet to rule out military force to acquire the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
But Watters’ co-host, Kayleigh McEnany, questioned whether the Republican White House’s ultimate goal is a “military takeover” of Greenland.
“I’m very skeptical that the ultimate goal…is to have a military takeover of Greenland and incorporate Greenland into the United States. Why? If Greenland became a state, they would get two Senate seats. Greenland is deeply, deeply leftist, socialist”, McEnany said. “That’s a political nightmare for Republicans”.
Denmark plans to send up to 1,000 troops to Greenland this year: report
00:48 , Rachel Dobkin
Denmark has planned to send up to 1,000 troops to Greenland this year as US President Donald Trump bolsters his threats to acquire the semi-autonomous territory, according to a new TV 2 report.
So far, Denmark has sent around 150 soldiers to Kangerlussuaq and roughly the same number to Nuuk, the Danish outlet said.
The Independent View | After an irascible first year, Donald Trump is more dangerous than ever
00:24 , Alex Croft
To mark the first anniversary of his inauguration, Donald Trump held a news conference that was perhaps his most peculiar yet. Armed with a thick sheaf of papers and a stack of laminated mugshots from ICE raids in Minnesota, the leader of the free world embarked on a repetitive, rambling weave of familiar and improbable boasts.
Slow, and low-energy, his delivery didn’t inspire and must have made anyone watching wonder about how this character – 80 years old in June – will perform in his remaining three years in office. Most of the “365 achievements for 365 days” hailed by Mr Trump will not have been felt by Americans suffering from a very real affordability crisis.
Read our editorial here:
After an irascible first year, Donald Trump is more dangerous than ever
Watch: Minister describes Trump’s geopolitical discussion as ‘not normal’
00:00 , James Reynolds
Analysis: Special relationship appears to be unraveling
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:44 , Alex Croft
The Independent’s political editor David Maddox writes:
Keir Starmer had earned a reputation as “the Trump whisperer” internationally but the US president’s words on the Chagos islands suggest that things are going wrong.
When they first met after the inauguration in February last year, it appeared that Sir Keir could get whatever he wanted from Donald Trump – a trade deal, agreement on Chagos and the UK/ US Diego Garcia airbase, and more.
Now the president has decided the Chagos deal was “completely stupid” as the row over his desire to cede Greenland from Denmark escalated.
Trump has not taken the UK’s support for Denmark well at all and the threat of tariffs now seems to be a first step in a relationship that is completely unraveling leaving the prime minister badly exposed.
US to cut roughly 200 Nato positions
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:37 , Alex Croft
The US plans to reduce the number of Nato personnel in key command centers, a move that could intensify concerns in Europe about Washington’s commitment to the alliance, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency.
As part of the move, which the Trump administration has communicated to some European capitals, the US will eliminate roughly 200 positions from the Nato entities that oversee and plan the alliance’s military and intelligence operations, said the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private diplomatic conversations.
Among the bodies that will be affected, said the sources, are the UK-based Nato Intelligence Fusion Centre and the Allied Special Operations Forces Command in Brussels. Portugal-based STRIKFORNATO, which oversees some maritime operations, will also be cut, as will several other similar Nato entities, the sources said.
The sources did not specify why the U.S. had decided to cut the number of staff dedicated to the Nato roles, but the moves broadly align with the Trump administration’s stated intention to shift more resources toward the Western Hemisphere.
The Washington Post first reported the decision.
Trump en route to Davos for critical Greenland talks
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:33 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has departed Washington, DC and is now en route to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he will meet with European leaders.
The US president said he has “a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland” – and that he believed the US and Nato would make a deal which would make everyone “very happy”.
Most major European leaders are set to be in Davos, but Downing Street is yet to confirm whether British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer will attend.
Greenlanders will be thrilled by a US takeover, Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:16 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump was asked about Greenland by a reporter, who noted that the population of Greenland has made clear their opposition to a US takeover.
The US president says that, when he speaks to the Greenlanders, he is “sure they are going to be thrilled”.
Watch: Treasury Secretary downplays link between Trump’s Greenland plans and quest for Nobel Prize
Tuesday 20 January 2026 23:09 , Alex Croft
‘No alternative’ but to suspend EU-US trade deal, German MEP says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 22:56 , Alex Croft
There is “no alternative” but to suspend the EU-US trade deal because of threats over Greenland, a German member of the European Parliament has said.
“By threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of an EU Member State and by using tariffs as a coercive instrument, the US undermines the stability and predictability of EU–US trade relations,” Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade, told BBC News.
Mr Lange’s committee will need to approve the deal before it is confirmed. Negotiators in Washington and Brussels have been finalising the details for months, of a deal which was first struck between European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and US president Donald Trump in July.
“The European Parliament is clear in a unshakable commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland,” Mr Lange added.
Analysis: Why Trump’s chaotic pursuit of Greenland shows only one rule applies in his dangerous global power-grab
Tuesday 20 January 2026 22:00 , James Reynolds
From Greenland to Venezuela, Iran to Ukraine, Donald Trump has shaken the world and reshaped global alliances to shore up a new world order under three kings, explains world affairs editor Sam Kiley:
Why Greenland shows only one rule applies in Trump’s dangerous global power-grab
Trump says he’s ‘against’ the UK’s Chagos deal
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:40 , Alex Croft
US and Nato will find agreement to make everyone ‘very happy’, Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:21 , Alex Croft
The United States and Nato will come to an agreement on the future of Greenland that will satisfy both sides, US president Donald Trump told a press conference on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Trump had said there was “no going back” on his goal to control Greenland, refusing to rule out taking the Arctic island by force.
“I think that we will work something out where Nato is going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy, but we need it for security purposes,” he said, adding that the alliance would not be very strong without the United States.
Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 21:00 , James Reynolds
EU leaders will discuss their options for responding to Trump’s threat of tariffs at an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday.
One option is a package of tariffs on 93 billion euros ($108 billion) of US imports that could automatically kick in on 6 February after a six-month suspension.
Another option is the “Anti-Coercion Instrument” (ACI), which has never yet been used and which could limit access to public tenders, investments or banking activity or restrict trade in services.
The EU said it was continuing to engage “at all levels” with the US but said the use of its ACI was not off the table.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for calm discussion between the allies, adding he did not believe Trump was considering military action to seize Greenland.
Trump has threatened Europe with higher tariffs. What happens now?
Trump says ‘you’ll find out’ how far US will go to obtain Greenland
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:40 , Alex Croft
Trump was asked during his press conference how far he would go to obtain Greenland.
“You’ll find out,” was his three-word answer.
The US president has refused to rule out using military force to obtain the semi-autonomous Danish territory – but European leaders, including Sir Keir Starmer, have said they don’t believe he would follow through with this.
‘A lot’ of Greenland meetings scheduled at Davos, says Trump
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:36 , Alex Croft
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US has “a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland” during at the annual conference of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland this week.
Trump told a press conference that he doubted European nations would scrap commitments to invest in the United States if he took action to acquire Greenland.
Trump appears to confuse Greenland with Iceland in press conference answer
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:34 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has appeared to confuse Greenland with Iceland during one of his answers in a long-winded press conference, which lasted more than 90 minutes.
The US president was discussing US trade, arguing that tariffs had made the country “the richest we ever were”.
“We’re not being ripped off by every country in the world like we were before,” he said.
“We’re doing we’re doing numbers that nobody’s ever thought possible. We’re the richest we ever were,” he added.
“It’s because of tariffs and the proper use of tariffs, and we’re also the most secure. As an example, Iceland [Greenland], without tariffs, they wouldn’t even be talking to us about it. So we’ll see what happens.”
Comment: Why does Trump treat his enemies better than his friends?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:27 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump’s public attacks on allies – from Keir Starmer to Emmanuel Macron – reveal a transactional, unpredictable US foreign policy.
Britain must prepare for a world in which ‘friendship’ with America no longer guarantees protection, says Sean O’Grady:
Why does Trump treat his enemies better than his friends?
Starmer and Macron ‘get a little bit rough when I’m not around’, Trump says
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:16 , Alex Croft
Trump has now been asked about his relationship with British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron, who have been critical of his desire for a US takeover of Greenland.
“I think I get along very well with them. They always treat me well,” the US president said.
He said they “get a little bit rough” when he isn’t around, “but when I’m around, they treat me very nicely”
Trump added: “They’re both liberal. They’ve got to straighten out their countries.”
Trump: I’m not sure Nato would come to America’s rescue
Tuesday 20 January 2026 20:00 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has said that “nobody” alive or dead has done more for Nato than he has – and questioned whether the military alliance would come to the defence of the US.
“I got Nato members to agree to raise defense spending to 5 per cent of GDP from 2 per cent,” he said, referring to his push for European countries to decrease their reliance on the US for defence.
“I did more for Nato than any other person alive or dead, and I think for the most part, they’ll tell you that. I think you could ask the secretary general [Mark Rutte] about that, he said it, I’ve done more for Nato than anybody.”
“But Nato has to treat us fairly too. The big fear I have with Nato is we spend teses amounts of money with Nato, and I know we’ll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they’ll come to ours,” he added.
Trump’s trade chief stands firm on tariff threat
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:30 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs on goods from countries opposing his demand for US control of Greenland is “an appropriate use of tariffs”, his trade representative Jamieson Greer said on Tuesday.
Greer said during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos that there was “a long history of using tools that are at the nexus of economics and national security in the United States,” including export controls, sanctions and tariffs.
Asked whether Trump wanted negotiations over control of Greenland, Greer added: “That’s possible, something he’s talked about. I think he’s very clear on what he expects.”
Watch: Starmer condemns US use of tariffs against allies
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:29 , James Reynolds
Trump unsure how Supreme Court will rule on tariffs
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:17 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has said he doesn’t know how the Supreme Court is going to rule on tariffs which his administration has imposed – and threatened – on several countries.
The Supreme Court could potentially strike down the US president’s claim of unprecedented emergency powers giving him the authority to unilaterally levy taxes on imports from nearly every American trading partner, with a ruling expected soon.
“Tariffs, I don’t know what the Supreme Court is going to do,” Trump said.
“Everyone said, Oh, tariffs will cause inflation. We have no inflation. We have very little inflation,” he added.
Consumer prices in the US are still rising above the Federal Reserve’s 2 per cent targets.
Tuesday 20 January 2026 19:02 , Alex Croft
An agreement on sharing responsibility for the security of the Arctic and the North Atlantic could offer a way out of the stand-off between the United States and Europe over Greenland, Lithuanian president Gitanas Nauseda said on Tuesday.
In an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, Ms Nauseda told the Reuters news agency that the Greenland row was overshadowing the war in Ukraine and playing into Russia’s hands and urged Washington to de-escalate the dispute.
“The best outcome would be just to agree on common responsibility on the security of the Arctic region and North Atlantic region. Is it possible to achieve? We should do our best to go this way, because this is the best way,” he said.
Trump arrives for press conference
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:54 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump has arrived for his press conference, marking and end to the first year of his second term.
He has started off discussing recent events in Minnesota.
We’ll update you here with any lines relating to Greenland.
Europe cannot afford to be weak, says Polish PM
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:27 , Alex Croft
Appeasement is always a sign of weakness and Europe cannot afford to be weak, either against its enemies or allies, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday.
“Appeasement means no results, only humiliation. European assertiveness and self-confidence have become the need of the moment,” he added.
Tusk’s comments come amid a growing transatlantic dispute over Greenland’s future after US president Donald Trump stepped up his push to acquire the vast Arctic island from Nato ally Denmark and threatened to hike tariffs on key European countries that oppose his plan.
We are still waiting for Trump to arrive for his press conference on Tuesday.
Trump to speak shortly
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:07 , Alex Croft
Donald Trump is set to join a White House press conference, where he is expected to give an update on Greenland.
Stay with us for all the latest.
What has Trump said about Chagos?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 18:00 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump blasted Britain’s deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago as an act of “total weakness” and “great stupidity” that underlines why he wants to acquire Greenland on Tuesday.
Washington last year gave its blessing to the deal, which gave the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius but retained UK control of the Diego Garcia air base under a 99-year lease.
But Trump reversed that with a typically blunt Truth Social post saying: “Shockingly, our ‘brilliant’ NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.”
He added: “There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness … The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.”
Responding, the British government said the deal was made precisely for national security reasons.
“We acted because the base on Diego Garcia was under threat after court decisions undermined our position and would have prevented it operating as intended in future,” a spokesperson said.
Read the full story:
Trump calls Starmer’s Chagos Islands deal act of ‘great stupidity’
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:05 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump returned to Truth Social on Tuesday to reassert his role in Nato.
He wrote on his own social media platform: “No single person, or President, has done more for NATO than President Donald J. Trump.
“If I didn’t come along, there would be no NATO right now!!! It would have been in the ash heap of History. Sad, but TRUE!!! President DJT”
How might US tariffs impact UK consumer finances?
Tuesday 20 January 2026 17:01 , James Reynolds
Donald Trump has announced plans to hit European nations, including the UK, with increasing tariffs if they continue to back Denmark over Greenland.
With Denmark and allies standing firm, Britain is set to be impacted by fresh 10 per cent tariffs on 1 February, rising to 25 per cent by June.
Rajan Lakhani, personal finance expert & Head of Money at smart money app Plum, said while businesses may have to swallow costs or raise prices to offset the levy, the biggest impact for UK consumers would be indirect.
“Tariffs tend to raise costs, and this could slow down further cuts to interest rates if inflation were to remain well above 2 per cent,” he said. “That would have a knock-on impact on mortgage holders. The general uncertainty will also likely mean the Bank of England may want to take a pause before acting.
“However, it’s worth reminding ourselves of the TACO moniker that was widely adopted last year – ‘Trump Always Chickens Out’ – after his proposed Liberation Day tariffs, which were soon reduced and shortened in scope after sending markets into a downward spiral.
“So there remains the possibility that such tariffs may not even go ahead.”
Canada stands with Europe over US threat of tariffs
Tuesday 20 January 2026 16:23 , James Reynolds
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Tuesday Canada strongly opposed any US tariffs over Trump’s aim to take over Greenland.
“Canada strongly opposes tariffs over Greenland and calls for focused talks to achieve our shared objectives of security and prosperity in the Arctic,” Carney said during an appearance at the World Economic Forum.
Trump’s Secretary of Commerce claims US still ‘loves’ its allies despite Greenland threat
Tuesday 20 January 2026 16:00 , Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
United States Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick has tried to reassure the UK that the US still loves its allies in the wake of the threat to Greenland.
During an at times tense panel session in Davos, he told the UK chancellor Rachel Reeves, “we love you, we do”.
In an awkward exchange, Mr Reeves responded ‘thank you very much, the feeling is mutual”.
She had earlier urged the US to “think of how your allies can also help you achieve your objectives… as well as helping the Western world to thrive”.
