Newsom incites Europe against Trump in Davos: Fight fire with fire
California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a strongly worded message to European leaders during the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging them to adopt a tougher stance toward former US President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump. Newsom's remarks came in the context of discussions on foreign policy and geopolitical tensions, specifically regarding the Greenland issue and trade threats.
"Fight fire with fire" strategy
In his address to the audience at the Swiss resort, Newsom described President Trump as someone adept at exploiting weaknesses but quick to back down when faced with counterforce. "He's a master at exploiting weakness, but he backs down when he's slapped," Newsom stated bluntly. "He can't have it all. Enough with the flattery. Stop trying to appease him. Fight fire with fire." The Democratic governor emphasized that the European Union must be prepared to respond "very firmly" to any unilateral actions taken by Washington under Trump's leadership.
Background to the Greenland crisis and geopolitical ambitions
These remarks come against a historical backdrop dating back to 2019, when Trump expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, the world's largest self-governing island, from Denmark, citing its strategic location in the Arctic and its natural resources. This proposal sparked a diplomatic crisis with Denmark, with the Danish Prime Minister describing the idea as "absurd," leading Trump to cancel a planned state visit to Copenhagen.
Newsom commented on the issue, saying, "The whole Greenland issue is absurd, and it's time everyone recognized the reality of the situation, stood firm and resolute, and spoke with one voice." Despite describing Trump's ambitions as "madness," Newsom ruled out the possibility of Trump resorting to a military invasion of the island, but he warned of the potential for economic and political pressure.
Trade tensions and the future of transatlantic relations
Newsom and the Europeans' concerns extend beyond the Greenland issue to encompass the future of transatlantic trade relations. The European Union faces a difficult test given Trump's repeated threats to impose punitive tariffs on European imports, including cars and steel, which could ignite a trade war damaging the global economy.
In this context, the European Union is considering coordinated retaliatory trade measures should Washington follow through on its threats to impose tariffs on eight European countries. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has vowed that the EU's response will be "firm," echoing Newsom's advice that the EU must stand united against American pressure.
Newsom as a face of the American opposition
Gavin Newsom is widely regarded as one of the most prominent figures in the Democratic Party and a potential candidate for the US presidency in 2028. Newsom consistently uses international forums, such as Davos, as a platform to present a vision that differs from the traditional US policy represented by Trump, emphasizing the importance of international alliances and respect for the national sovereignty of allied countries.
