DAVOS, Switzerland (Diya TV) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom has accused European leaders of being “complicit” in the face of renewed tariff threats by President Donald Trump tied to a controversial proposal involving Greenland. Speaking this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Newsom urged Europe to take a firmer stand and reject what he described as economic coercion.
Newsom’s remarks came after Trump announced new tariffs on several NATO allies, escalating tensions between Washington and Europe and reigniting debate over U.S. foreign policy, trade, and alliance politics.
Appearing on the sidelines of the annual WEF meeting, Newsom said European governments must show resolve against Trump’s pressure tactics. He criticized leaders for what he called a weak response to threats aimed at forcing negotiations over Greenland.
“It’s time to get serious and stop being complicit,” Newsom said. “It’s time to stand tall and firm and have a backbone.”
Newsom’s comments followed Trump’s announcement of new trade penalties targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump said the additional 10% tariffs would take effect on Feb. 1, 2026.
Trump later warned that tariffs could rise as high as 25% starting June 1 if the affected countries refuse to negotiate what he called a “Greenland deal.” Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and has long held strategic importance due to its Arctic location and natural resources.
Trump announced his social media platform, Truth Social. He framed the tariffs as leverage to push talks over Greenland’s future. European governments quickly rejected the idea, stressing that Greenland is not for sale.
The proposed duties would stack on top of existing tariffs. The U.S. already imposes a 10% tariff on British imports and a 15% tariff on goods from the European Union. Economists and trade officials warn that the new measures could trigger retaliation and deepen trade disputes.
The tariff announcement sparked strong reactions across Europe. Thousands of Greenland residents reportedly protested in the streets against any attempt to sell or transfer control of the territory. European leaders also issued coordinated statements rejecting Trump’s demands.
Officials argued that Arctic security must remain a collective responsibility under NATO. They said trade threats undermine alliance unity and international norms. Several governments warned that economic pressure would only weaken cooperation at a time of rising global instability.
The Greenland dispute marks one of Trump’s most aggressive uses of tariffs to force political negotiations. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has relied heavily on trade penalties to extract concessions on issues ranging from defense spending to immigration cooperation.
Newsom’s criticism also reflects his long-running feud with Trump. Relations between California and the federal government have remained tense since Trump’s inauguration in 2025. Early clashes focused on immigration enforcement and environmental rules.
Newsom called Trump’s border wall plan a “national disgrace.” He also fought federal efforts to roll back California’s vehicle emissions standards. Tensions worsened during severe wildfire seasons, when Trump blamed state water policies and delayed federal disaster aid.
The conflict reached a peak in June 2025. Trump federalized California’s National Guard and deployed U.S. Marines to respond to anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles. The move bypassed Newsom’s authority as governor.
Newsom sued the Trump administration, accusing it of abusing executive power and violating states’ rights. Federal courts later ruled in California’s favor. On Dec. 31, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit enforced an injunction ordering federal troops to return. After the ruling, Trump stepped back from similar actions in other states. The decision strengthened Newsom’s profile as one of Trump’s most outspoken Democratic critics.
The rivalry also played out online in what supporters dubbed a “meme war.” The exchange peaked in September 2025. Trump posted edited images mocking Newsom on Truth Social. Newsom fired back on X with satirical clips and images aimed at Trump.
The online fight spilled into merchandise and messaging. Newsom even adopted Trump’s all-caps style in some posts to mock the “MAGA” slogan. As Trump’s tariff threats revive tensions with Europe, Newsom’s latest comments signal that the battle over trade, alliances, and executive power remains far from over.
