Amid the snow-dusted chalets of Davos, California Governor Gavin Newsom turned heads at the 2026 World Economic Forum on Tuesday with a blunt appeal to European leaders. Urging them to stop playing nice with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, he told reporters they need to develop a 'backbone' and even 'punch him in the face'.
Newsom, a rising star in the Democratic Party, criticized what he called Trump's 'weak' diplomatic tactics and encouraged the European Union to 'push back very aggressively' on the U.S. leader's attempt to acquire Greenland. His remarks highlight a growing impatience among some global leaders with traditional diplomatic niceties.
European officials have largely approached Trump's Greenland proposal with cautious diplomacy, weighing strategic and environmental concerns on the Arctic island. Newsom's call for a more forceful response marks a departure from that cautious stance, reflecting frustration over perceived heavy-handed tactics by Washington.
Reactions in Davos were mixed. Some diplomats praised Newsom's fiery rhetoric as a wake-up call for a united transatlantic front, while others warned that escalating the rhetoric could strain long-standing alliances and complicate complex negotiations.
As the Forum continues, attention will shift to whether European capitals adopt Newsom's tough-love advice or stick to more measured tactics. Whatever path they choose, one thing is clear: the debate over Greenland has become a litmus test for the future of EU-U.S. relations in an era defined by shifting global power dynamics.
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California governor urges Europe to grow 'backbone' and 'punch' back at Trump
cgtn.com
