The Rest Is Politics 490. Trump’s Greenland Ultimatum: What Next?
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Jan 21, 2026 Rory and Alastair dive into Trump's controversial Greenland ultimatum, questioning the implications for NATO and Europe's stability. They explore the shift in global dynamics, with Trump gaining power and using a strategic approach reminiscent of Russia. The duo debates whether appeasing Trump is feasible and assesses Europe’s economic vulnerabilities. They also critique responses from figures like Keir Starmer and discuss the need for European unity amid these geopolitical tensions. Expect lively analysis of Trump's media prowess and its impact on international norms.
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Policy Plans Enable More Aggression
- Project 2025 and a reorganized Trump coalition (MAGA, Christian right, tech bros) underpin more aggressive, America-first policies.
- Campbell argues Trump's current team actively encourage his worst impulses rather than curb them.
Why Greenland Is A Different Escalation
- Seizing Greenland would be unlike prior extralegal acts because it's a NATO ally's territory, not an isolated adversary.
- Rory Stewart warns this would be a seismic breach of allied trust and precedent.
Danish Minister's Memory Of US Bases
- Per Stig Møller (former Danish foreign minister) noted US troop presence in Greenland once peaked at 18,000 across 18 bases.
- He said Denmark never asked the US to leave, showing prior strong US security involvement.