Amid Arctic intrigue at Davos, President Macron advocated for NATO maneuvers in Greenland, committing France unequivocally. Scott Bessent, Trump’s Treasury choice, countered by advising focus on France’s precarious fiscal health over foreign drills.
Macron’s office briefed media Wednesday on the proposal for exercises in the Danish territory under U.S. covetous eyes. Bessent’s Davos response was blunt: Prioritize ‘your country’s sorry economic condition and your citizens’ welfare in light of that rundown budget.’
Trump’s Wednesday forum appearance looms large, poised to press Greenland claims despite backlash. Macron’s Tuesday defiance—Europe unyielding to intimidation—riposted Trump’s tariff threats as ‘silly’ and unwarranted belligerence, while nixing his peace board as a UN rival.
NATO brass warned of existential risks to cohesion from the Greenland saga. Trump’s text screenshot from Macron and Rutte extolling his peace role intensified the narrative.
Observers see Macron’s play as European strategic signaling amid U.S. dominance bids. Bessent’s jab revives debates on NATO burden-sharing, with France’s domestic challenges providing easy ammunition. The Greenland tussle may herald a new era of alliance realignments.