President Donald Trump, 79, leaked private text messages from world leaders and continued threatening allies over Greenland in an overnight posting spree on Truth Social. The president shared authentic messages from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte while traveling to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
A French official confirmed to Politico that Macron’s message was genuine. The text showed Macron expressing confusion about Trump’s Greenland demands while offering to arrange diplomatic meetings. A NATO official similarly verified Rutte’s message as authentic.
Trump threatened 10 percent tariffs on eight European nations, effective February 1, unless the U.S. secures control of Greenland from Denmark. He also floated 200 percent tariffs on French wine and Champagne. Polls show the territory’s residents overwhelmingly oppose joining the United States.
When asked by NBC News whether military force remained an option for seizing Greenland, Trump replied “no comment.” The territorial threats have led to calls to remove the president from office using the 25th Amendment.
Trump defended his decision to publish the private diplomatic communications in an interview with the New York Post. “It just made my point,” he said, suggesting world leaders were being two-faced by privately seeking meetings while publicly opposing his policies.
The president posted an edited image showing Canada, Greenland and Venezuela under the U.S. flag, manipulated from an August White House meeting about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Another post depicted Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio planting an American flag on Greenland.
Trump also attacked the United Kingdom for its plan to transfer Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago, to Mauritius. He called the arrangement an act of stupidity, despite Rubio having endorsed the Chagos deal in May 2025.
The president suggested anti-ICE protesters who disrupted a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, should be jailed or deported. He called for similar treatment of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, referencing protests documented by former CNN host Don Lemon.
Trump claimed he stopped a prison break in Syria, stating that European terrorists were escaping from detention facilities. He said he worked with Syria’s new government to recapture the prisoners.
Trump also warned Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre about the Nobel Peace Prize, linking his aggressive stance on Greenland to last year’s decision not to award him the prize.
Macron delivered a sharp rebuke to Trump at the World Economic Forum while wearing aviator-style sunglasses. “We do prefer respect to bullies,” he said. “And we do prefer rule of law to brutality.”
The French president warned that the international order was sliding toward instability and imbalance. He emphasized Europe’s predictability and adherence to the rule of law without naming the United States directly.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe’s response to Trump’s threats would be “unflinching.” European officials have warned that the escalating trade dispute could trigger a dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic relations.
Protests erupted in Davos ahead of Trump’s scheduled arrival on Wednesday. Around 300 people gathered to protest the World Economic Forum and the planned appearance of Trump. Demonstrators carried signs reading “Trump not welcome” and disrupted traffic in Zurich, where police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets after 9 p.m.
Macron had previously rejected Trump’s invitation to join a proposed Board of Peace initiative. The French president has publicly opposed Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on European allies who resist U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland.
Rutte’s leaked message showed the NATO chief expressing commitment to finding a way forward on Greenland while praising Trump’s work in Syria, Gaza and Ukraine. The message demonstrated continued efforts by European leaders to maintain diplomatic channels despite mounting tensions.
Trump began his posting spree by describing a phone call with Rutte as very good. He claimed everyone agreed that Greenland was imperative for national and world security, despite widespread international opposition to his territorial ambitions.
The president announced he agreed to a meeting of various parties in Davos regarding Greenland. He declared there could be no going back on his demands for the autonomous Danish territory.
Macron’s leaked text attempted to find common ground with Trump on Syria and Iran while expressing bewilderment about the Greenland controversy. The French leader offered to arrange a G7 meeting in Paris and invited Trump to dinner before returning to the United States.
The diplomatic crisis comes as Trump pursues an aggressive foreign policy agenda that has alarmed traditional U.S. allies. His willingness to publicize private communications from world leaders represents a departure from normal diplomatic protocol.
Trump’s overnight posts covered domestic political opponents, international territorial claims and trade threats against multiple allied nations. The wide-ranging nature of his statements underscored the unpredictable approach he has taken toward both foreign and domestic policy matters.