European leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) did not go as far in harsh words as California Governor Gavin Newsom. However, one thing is clear: after Tuesday's speeches by Europeans, Trump will receive an icy reception in Davos.
Diplomatic delicacy, soft words and Alpine “wadding” – this is definitely not the style of California Governor Gavin Newsom. This Democrat, who, according to many observers, most likely wants to replace Donald Trump as US president in the future, did not mince words in the corridors of the congress center in Davos on Tuesday.
— Stop trying to appease this madman Newsom thundered. And his advice to Europe on how to deal with Trump was brutally literal: — Hit him in the face!
California Governor Gavin Newsom delivers his State of the Union address, U.S., January 8, 2026.San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers/Contributor/Getty Images
European dignitaries at the WEF cannot afford such American bluntness. However, the message prepared for the American “colleague” by French President Emmanuel Macron and the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, was equally clear – only presented in a more official sauce.
We cannot hesitate to use our instrument of anti-coercion
– Macron emphasized.
If Trump does not stop threatening additional tariffs, citing Greenland, the European Union should use its sharpest weapon. This tool – originally created as a form of “self-defense” against pressure from China – could enable the imposition of retaliatory tariffs or even exclusion of American companies from public tenders in Europe.
French President Emmanuel Macron attends the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2026.PAP/EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER / PAP
Macron, who did not take off his sunglasses during the entire performance (he said because of an eye condition), described Trump's tariff strategy as “nonsense.”
Let's not waste time on crazy ideas. This is not the moment for a new imperialism
– he warned.
“New European independence”
Macron offers a simple solution to Trump: stay calm, stimulate European investments in his own region and offer the rest of the world an alternative – a stable and reliable trading partner – to the US, which is increasingly guided by the logic of “strong is right”.
On Thursday, Macron intends to invite his “friend” Trump to dinner in Paris – at least this is according to a private message that Trump himself published. It is not known whether Trump accepted the invitation.
However, there will certainly be no one-on-one meeting between the US president and Ursula von der Leyen. The President of the European Commission called on the political and business elite present in Davos to build a “new European independence” and to treat today's “geopolitical shocks” as an opportunity, not just a threat.
She also emphasized that Europe has no reason to “hide in the shadows”. According to her, the continent has a promising defense industry potential.
— Finland is currently selling icebreakers to the USA– von der Leyen pointed out, as if she wanted to send Trump a clear signal: be careful, Donald – without European technologies in the High North you won't get far.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks at the signing ceremony of the free trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries in Asuncion, Paraguay, 17 January 2026.PAP/EPA/Juan Pablo Pino / PAP
Von der Leyen also made it clear that Europe is increasingly building global connections – and that it can also do it without America. A few days ago she was in Latin America, where the Mercosur trade agreement was signed. He is scheduled to fly to India this weekend to talk about trade and new agreements.
We support trade, not punitive tariffs; for partnerships, not isolation
she said.
Internet imperialism
And what is Trump doing in the meantime? On Tuesday, he posted two memes on his Truth Social platform.
One shows him hoisting an American flag in Greenland. There is a plaque next to it that reads: “Greenland – US territory from 2026”.
The second meme shows Trump in the Oval Office, presenting a map to the European delegation (including Macron and von der Leyen) in which both Greenland and Canada are part of America.
On Wednesday, Trump is scheduled to present his bleak vision of the world live in Davos.
We can only hope that the aurora borealis that appeared over the Swiss sky on the night from Monday to Tuesday were a harbinger of northern peace – and not some otherworldly alarm signal, warning of another geopolitical storm.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
