European Leaders Scorn Trump's Greenland Tariffs Plan, Warn of Slavery
The European Union has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump over his plan to impose tariffs on eight European countries that support Denmark's claim to Greenland. In a scathing rebuke, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move "a mistake," vowing her full solidarity with both Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Von der Leyen's comments came as leaders from across Europe gathered in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is also expected to speak. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever echoed von der Leyen's sentiment, warning that if the US were to pursue its tariffs plan, it could "make us slaves."
The EU has responded by considering a range of options, including deploying the Anti-Coercion Instrument, a policy designed to retaliate against what it sees as economic intimidation. French President Emmanuel Macron described this approach as "crazy," highlighting the deep divisions between Europe and the US.
In contrast, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders not to escalate tensions, urging them to wait and see how things play out rather than reacting with force.
The move has sparked outrage among many world leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who mocked Trump's critics for appearing "pathetic" on the world stage. However, von der Leyen's comments have sent a clear message that Europe will not back down in the face of what it sees as US economic coercion.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Greenland tariffs plan has exposed deep rifts between the US and its European allies, leaving many wondering whether the two sides can find common ground before it's too late.
The European Union has issued a stern warning to US President Donald Trump over his plan to impose tariffs on eight European countries that support Denmark's claim to Greenland. In a scathing rebuke, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move "a mistake," vowing her full solidarity with both Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Von der Leyen's comments came as leaders from across Europe gathered in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is also expected to speak. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever echoed von der Leyen's sentiment, warning that if the US were to pursue its tariffs plan, it could "make us slaves."
The EU has responded by considering a range of options, including deploying the Anti-Coercion Instrument, a policy designed to retaliate against what it sees as economic intimidation. French President Emmanuel Macron described this approach as "crazy," highlighting the deep divisions between Europe and the US.
In contrast, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged European leaders not to escalate tensions, urging them to wait and see how things play out rather than reacting with force.
The move has sparked outrage among many world leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, who mocked Trump's critics for appearing "pathetic" on the world stage. However, von der Leyen's comments have sent a clear message that Europe will not back down in the face of what it sees as US economic coercion.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Greenland tariffs plan has exposed deep rifts between the US and its European allies, leaving many wondering whether the two sides can find common ground before it's too late.
I'm not surprised by this reaction from Europe 
, it feels like Trump's getting his wires crossed again 
. Tariffs? Really? It's just going to escalate tensions and hurt both parties in the long run 
. And what's with the "slavery" comment? That's just plain ridiculous 
. I think we need a reality check over here, maybe some diplomatic talks instead of brinksmanship 
. This isn't about winning a trade war, it's about cooperation and mutual respect 
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like, they're basically saying we ain't afraid of u! 
uruela von der leyen is low-key killing the game over here 
she's got the EU all shook up and i am HERE FOR IT!!! 
Trump thinks he can strong-arm Europe? Newsom might've been right about his critics being pathetic 
. Who needs slavery when you have tariffs? 0% chance of success for the US 
. Anyways, I think we're in for a long and tense period with the EU and the US going back and forth like this...
It's like he thinks they're all just a bunch of sheep waiting to be shepherded 
. Newsom might have been a bit harsh with his tweet, but honestly, someone's gotta call Trump out for this 
. The EU has every right to defend itself and Greenland, it's not their problem 
. And what's with the Anti-Coercion Instrument? Sounds like something straight out of a spy novel 
! Anyway, I'm keeping my eye on this one, it'll be interesting to see how it all plays out 
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anyway, did you know that the US-EU trade deficit is around $150 billion? That's like, a whole lotta cash being moved between our shores 
EU leaders are probs feeling like they're getting fleeced and that's why they're all out for Trump 
meanwhile, Trump thinks he can just strong-arm Europe into doing what he wants? 
Newsflash: EU has 27 member states, dude! That's a lot of ppl to please 
I mean, Europe is killing it economically and Trump just wants to disrupt that with his tariffs plan 
european leaders r like "nah bruh, ur not gettin away w/ dis" & now they r talkin bout deploying anti coercion instrument aka retaliatin w/ economic hit 
it's like trump thinks he cn bully eu into submission & europe is all "no way, jose" 
europe is like "hey usa chill we got ur back but dont try 2 bully us" 
california gov gavin newsom tho is lowkey my spirit animal 
It seems like Europe is standing up for themselves and that's not necessarily a bad thing, right? We should respect their sovereignty and all 
. But at the same time, I can see why Trump would want to crack down on EU countries - it does feel like they're getting away with too much 
THE EU IS NOT GONNA JUST SIT BACK AND WATCH TRUMP TRY TO STRIKE DEAL WITH GREENLAND LIKE IT'S SOME KIND OF JOKE!!! 
I FEEL BAD FOR VON DER LEYEN, SHE SEEMS LIKE A REALLY SINCERE PERSON WHO JUST WANTS WHAT'S BEST FOR HER COUNTRY AND THE WORLD AT LARGE. 
. Like, what even is the point of imposing tariffs on other countries' trade agreements? It's not like Denmark and Greenland are just going to back down from their claim because of some US tantrum 
. Will the EU be able to stand up to Trump's tariffs plan, or will they get steamrolled? Only time will tell 
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. And Macron calling out the EU's plan as "crazy" might not be the most diplomatic move 
. Can't we all just get along? 
. I mean, Trump thinks he can just impose tariffs on all these countries and they'll be like "oh okay, thanks for the slap in the face"? It's like, come on dude 
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. It feels like they're at this big ol' crossroads and they gotta figure out which path to take 
. Only time will tell, I guess 
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The EU is totally right to take a stand against Trump's crazy idea 
. And the "slavery" comment from Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever? Ouch, that was some serious shade 
. But you know what's even more concerning? The fact that some European leaders are actually taking Trump's bait and trying to avoid conflict by waiting for things to play out 
. The EU needs to show some spine and fight back against this kind of economic intimidation 
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