Newsom Calls on European Leaders to Stand Firm Against Trump's Arctic Ambitions
California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a stark challenge to European leaders, urging them to "have a backbone" and confront former U.S. President Donald Trump over his escalating demands regarding Greenland. The governor's comments come amid a tense international dispute sparked by Trump's threats to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and several other European nations unless he gains control of the Arctic island.
Trump's Tariff Threats and European Responses
In a recent outburst, Trump warned that he would levy tariffs on the U.K. and seven European countries if his bid to acquire Greenland is not met. While the European Union has suggested potential retaliation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken a more conciliatory approach, stating on Monday that he would not impose counter-tariffs on American imports to Britain.
Despite Starmer's attempts to de-escalate the situation, Trump responded with criticism, accusing the prime minister of "great stupidity" for his decision to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. This exchange has further heightened tensions, setting the stage for Newsom's intervention at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Newsom's Fiery Critique at Davos
Speaking from the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Newsom—a vocal opponent of Trump—delivered a passionate plea for European unity and resolve. He emphasized that it is time for leaders to stop being "complicit" and to adopt a principled stance against what he described as Trump's manipulative tactics.
"It's time to buck up. It's time to get serious and stop being complicit," Newsom told Sky News. "It's time to stand tall and firm and have a backbone. I've seen this in the United States, a supine Congress playing both sides—saying one thing in a text or tweet and another publicly."
He went on to criticize what he perceives as a lack of courage among global leaders, using vivid language to underscore his point. "I can't take this complicity, people rolling over. I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean, handing out crowns, this is pathetic. Nobel prizes, they're being given away. I mean, it's just pathetic," Newsom stated.
From an American perspective, Newsom argued that the current approach is "embarrassing" and undermines the credibility of European nations on the world stage. "I hope people understand how pathetic they look on the world stage, at least from an American perspective. It's embarrassing," he added.
A Call for United Action
Newsom concluded his remarks with a direct appeal for European leaders to take decisive action. "The Europeans should decide for themselves what to do, but one thing they can't do is what they've been doing, and they've been played. This guy is playing folks for fools and it's embarrassing," he asserted.
Reflecting on the timing of the crisis, Newsom noted that Europe missed a critical opportunity to address these issues earlier. "[Europeans] need to stand tall, stand firm, stand united. A year ago they should have had this conversation and they didn't and now you're paying the price," he warned, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
This confrontation underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Arctic sovereignty and international trade, with Newsom positioning himself as a key voice advocating for stronger resistance against Trump's unconventional foreign policy maneuvers.
