The Lincoln Project Trump’s Greenland Gambit Ends in TACO
Jan 23, 2026
This week, the discussion dives into Trump's chaotic foreign policy, highlighted by his erratic speech at Davos. The podcast critiques his failed Greenland acquisition bluff and how it reflects the U.S.'s declining global credibility. Allies openly challenge U.S. threats, showcasing the damages of Trump's approach. The potential geopolitical repercussions extend to China and Taiwan, raising concerns about military rhetoric turning into action. Overall, the focus is on the fragile state of international trust and the lasting scars of Trump's bluster.
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Greenland Was A Political Provocation
- Donald Trump floated acquiring Greenland to rile his base and fracture alliances rather than for genuine strategic necessity.
- The Davos reaction exposed how isolated Trump's rhetoric made the U.S. appear to allies and global markets.
Davos Revealed A Media Bubble Gap
- Europeans at Davos responded to Trump's claims with clear disbelief because they don't consume MAGA media.
- Their objective reaction highlighted the gulf between U.S. domestic messaging and international perception.
Bluster Without Follow-Through
- European leaders pushed back and global markets reacted, prompting Trump to back down quickly.
- That retreat reinforced the pattern Rick Wilson calls TACO: Trump Always Chickens Out.