Donald Trump’s confrontational performance at Davos backfired, exposing deep misjudgments about Europe and ultimately strengthening European unity against U.S. pressure. Trump arrived intent on belittling European leaders and threatening tariffs and territorial demands, particularly over Greenland, apparently expecting submission. Instead, European governments responded with resolve, forcing Trump to retreat from his tariff threats while gaining nothing substantial in return.
It challenges three core assumptions driving Trump’s contempt for Europe. That immigration has rendered European societies unsafe, that Europe’s economy is collapsing, and that European leaders lack the will to resist U.S. bullying. Yet, Europe made a comparison where it highlighted its low crime rates, resilient living standards, and wage growth comparable to the United States. Results achieved despite shocks such as the war in Ukraine.
The decisive moment came when European nations deployed forces to Greenland and prepared retaliatory trade measures, signaling an end to appeasement. Faced with collective resistance, Trump backed down, reinforcing the argument that his aggression relies on intimidation rather than strength.
While warning that Trump is unlikely to change his behavior and will continue lashing out elsewhere, Europe has learned a critical lesson; standing up to a bully works. The open question remains whether enough influential actors in the United States will draw the same conclusion.
Reference
Krugman, P. (2026b, January 23). Trump 0, Europe 1. Paul Krugman. https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/trump-0-europe-1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=59ocs7&triedRedirect=true