Hi Meidas Mighty,
I’ve been tracking the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland today. I’ll just say it up front: this has been a humiliating day for the United States. Donald Trump’s regime arrived expecting deference. It thought Trump has successfully bullied our allies into kissing the ring. Instead, it was met with open rebuke, cancelled meetings, and growing global resistance.
While I’m on that note, let me take a second to give a huge shout out to our international followers.
World leaders are refusing to engage with Trump after he leaked private text messages from Emmanuel Macron late last night, including messages questioning Trump’s fixation on Greenland. Macron made clear he would not meet with Trump in Davos after those leaks. Trump compounded the damage by also posting private messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, signaling to allies that no conversation with him is safe.
Rather than de-escalate, Trump escalated. He posted maps depicting U.S. control over Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela, attacked the United Kingdom over an agreement his own administration previously endorsed, and shared images placing American flags over Greenland alongside JD Vance and Marco Rubio. He then declared that NATO and the United Nations are the “real” enemies to the United States, while amplifying QAnon-linked accounts.
Markets reacted immediately this morning to Trump’s chaos. Stocks fell, bond yields surged, and mortgage rate relief evaporated as investors absorbed the implications of Trump’s threats and erratic policymaking.
In stark contrast, leaders in Davos projected stability and unity. Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney stated unequivocally that Canada stands with Greenland and Denmark on Arctic sovereignty and reaffirmed an unwavering commitment to NATO.
Carney told the forum: “American hegemony in particular helped provide public goods, open sea lanes, a stable financial system, collective security... this bargain no longer works. Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition... recently, great powers have begun using economic integration as a weapon. Tariffs as leverage...”
European leaders followed suit. Macron warned against bullying and emphasized the rule of law and predictability as Europe’s strength. Belgium’s prime minister rejected subservience, saying dignity is the most precious asset in a democracy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for a major European investment surge in Greenland, directly countering Trump’s threats.
Trump’s own officials only deepened the isolation. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick dismissed concerns about Greenland while lecturing European ministers with visible arrogance, drawing clear discomfort from the panel. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent went further, discussing tariffs tied to Denmark “giving up” Greenland and brushing off the idea that Europe could retaliate economically. Bessent essentially told the world to just accept Trump’s abuse. He added, “As I said on April 2nd (Liberation Day), the worst thing countries can do is escalate against the United States.” This posture was met with disbelief abroad.
It’s no wonder that both Canada and Greenland are currently preparing for a scenario in which the United States invades their countries.
Trump then invited Vladimir Putin and Aleksandr Lukashenko to his so-called “Board of Peace,” prompting Ukraine’s president to reject the idea outright, stating he would not sit on a peace board with someone invading his country. When asked about Macron’s refusal to engage, Trump responded by threatening a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne.
He also attacked the United Kingdom over the Diego Garcia agreement, despite clear, documented statements from his own administration supporting that very deal. This contradiction underscores why allies say they cannot do business with him. Why do a deal at all if Trump won’t honor it?
California Governor Gavin Newsom, speaking from Davos, called out the global pattern of complicity and urged leaders to stand firm, warning that the spectacle unfolding is embarrassing from an American perspective.
This is where things stand as of Tuesday afternoon. The United States is being isolated not by our allies, but by Trump’s reckless behavior, threats, and betrayals of trust.
Later today, Ron Filipkowski will publish his news bulletin so everyone can catch up on all the stories you may have missed. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
Stay tuned for more reporting throughout the day!
