US Ambassador to Belgium Talks NATO, Greenland

Summary

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Bloomberg Talks: US Ambassador to Belgium Talks NATO, Greenland

Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Bill White, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the state of U.S.-Belgian relations against a turbulent transatlantic backdrop, covering recent strains due to U.S. trade policy, NATO, and the contentious Greenland issue. Ambassador Bill White discusses ongoing trade deals, military cooperation, and the future of Europe–U.S. relations under President Trump, offering candid insights into diplomacy, defense, and transatlantic alliances.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

U.S.–Belgium Economic Relations and Trade (00:51–02:26)

• Ambassador White emphasizes robust trade ties, downplaying political turbulence:
  • Recent significant investments: Agristo’s billion-dollar operation in America; Google and Amazon’s $6B investment in Belgium.
  • Ongoing $30B in deals from Belgium to the U.S., supported by high-level diplomatic missions, e.g., Princess Astrid’s trade delegation.
  • Ambassador’s approach: “I try to stay away from the noise...those are not affecting the deals that we are working on.” [Bill White, 01:24]
  • A major $50B LNG deal is underway, part of a broader compulsory $750B European energy import agreement.

Greenland's Strategic Importance and U.S.–Denmark Relations (02:26–04:06)

• Trump Administration’s focus on Greenland’s security; historic context and current urgency.
  • Meetings between U.S. and Danish leadership, collaboration with Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted.
  • Alert about potential threats from “Chinese, Russian nuclear submarines and anything else”—implying undisclosed security issues too sensitive for public discussion.
  • “The strategic military importance of Greenland cannot be underestimated.” [Bill White, 02:58]
  • Hope for a stable, productive framework between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland to maintain NATO/European/North Atlantic security.

NATO: Strengthening or Undermining? (04:06–06:22)

• European apprehension about U.S. motives, some speculating about a NATO crisis or even its end.
  • White staunchly defends Trump’s record: “President Trump is the greatest supporter that NATO has ever known and will ever know. He is the only person who helped to save NATO...” [Bill White, 04:50]
  • Claims Trump’s push on burden sharing resulted in allies agreeing to spend 5% of GDP on defense.
  • Economic benefits for Europe framed as jobs and stimulus from increased defense spending.
  • Suggests Europe’s overregulation and economic stagnation preceded these U.S. policy changes.

Transatlantic Relationship: Damage or Renewal? (06:22–07:55)

• Host questions the cost to U.S.–EU relations.
  • White: Challenges are necessary for healthy alliances; the old approach was “not a good situation for Europe.”
  • Observations on cultural and economic differences, pokes at European bureaucracy (“manifestation” for protest, “simplification” for deregulation).
  • Links Trump’s election and agenda to broader structural reforms, suggesting European business leaders agree: “A lot of people I talk to here in Belgium would like a change as well.” [Bill White, 07:47]

Defense Industry: U.S. vs. European Suppliers (07:55–10:05)

• Discussion of Belgium’s significant purchases of U.S. defense material (F-35 jets, Patriot missiles).
  • EU programs and guidelines to favor European firms, but U.S. still winning contracts—“There is a provision... that a certain percentage would be allotted to US Companies.” [Bill White, 08:34]
  • White highlights “co-produce and collaborate” approach, with F-35 production partially located in Belgium, Italy, and partnerships with Sweden, Germany, and the UK.
  • Prefers cooperation and value proposition over rivalry.

Belgium as a U.S. Partner at EU Level; Russian Sovereign Assets (10:05–End)

• Belgium’s strong alignment with the U.S. on “so many more things than we may be deciding to.”
  • White credits President Trump with securing Russian assets in Belgium (Euroclear) as leverage for negotiations, praising Prime Minister Bart De Waver for resisting EU pressure.
  • Risks of disrupting this system: “If you have a clearinghouse that clears $45 trillion dollars a year. You cannot mess with that system. And the uncertainty and instability of taking that money out would have been catastrophic.” [Bill White, 10:55]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On 'noise' in policy debates:
  “What I try to do is to stay away from the noise, as I call it. There are obviously some things we can talk about US Policy...but those are not affecting the deals that we are working on.”
  — Bill White, 01:25

• On Greenland’s military significance:
  “The strategic military importance of Greenland cannot be underestimated. It is not good for you and me...for Chinese, Russian nuclear submarines and anything else that could threaten the security of the United States, NATO and Europe to be traveling free and clear through that area whenever they please.”
  — Bill White, 02:58

• On NATO and Trump:
  “President Trump is the greatest supporter that NATO has ever known and will ever know. He is the only person who helped to save NATO...He has raised over half a trillion dollars by pushing.”
  — Bill White, 04:50

• On U.S.–Europe relationship:
  “People should be viewing the relationship as a strong one, as one that challenges each other.”
  — Bill White, 06:34

• On defense industry partnerships:
  “We are partnering with Swedish and German and British interests on military defense. So I like to focus where we can cooperate than where we can disagree.”
  — Bill White, 09:49

• On safeguarding financial infrastructure:
  “If you have a clearinghouse that clears $45 trillion dollars a year. You cannot mess with that system. And the uncertainty and instability of taking that money out would have been catastrophic.”
  — Bill White, 10:55

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:51–02:26: U.S.–Belgium trade relations and key deals
• 02:26–04:06: U.S. policy on Greenland; Trump–Denmark relations
• 04:06–06:22: NATO under Trump; European spending and alliance health
• 06:22–07:55: State of transatlantic relations; economic reforms
• 07:55–10:05: Defense procurement debate; U.S.–European cooperation
• 10:05–End: Belgium’s role at EU level; safeguarding Russian assets for negotiations

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Tone and Style

Bill White’s style is candid, unapologetic, and pro-business, with strong support for Trump’s policies. He downplays controversy as “noise,” focuses on pragmatic outcomes, and repeatedly frames U.S. actions as ultimately benefiting both Europe and America. The conversation is direct with frequent humor and cultural observations.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This episode offers an inside look at U.S. diplomacy in Europe during a time of shifting alliances and political turbulence. Ambassador White provides reassurance on core U.S.–Belgium interests, staunchly defends the Trump administration’s foreign and economic policies, and shares behind-the-scenes perspectives on controversial issues like Greenland and NATO. The episode is particularly insightful for understanding the nuanced dynamics of transatlantic relations amidst global uncertainty.

Transcript

[Bill White]

At CES.

[Bloomberg Host]

Michael McDermott, EVP of Samsung, spoke with Bloomberg Media Studios about what the company calls its next AI chapter, your companion to AI Living.

[Bill White]

It's a shift from AI as a feature to AI as a trusted partner in everyday life.

[Bloomberg Host]

Bloomberg Audio Studios Podcasts Radio news this has been quite a year for those political and business leaders who've been trying to keep up with the blizzard of announcements that have come from Donald Trump's work. White House In Europe, the transatlantic relationship has been upended by tariffs, public criticism and tensions over Greenland and Russia's war in Ukraine. Joining us now to discuss all of that is the U.S. ambassador to Belgium. Bill White is in our Brussels studio. Great to see you. Thank you very much for joining us here. I wonder, given that backdrop, do you have a much more difficult job than your predecessors?

[Bill White]

Interesting question. No, actually, I will tell you. Yesterday I went to one of the largest potato processing plants called Agristo. They are making a billion dollar in America. Was talking with Google and Amazon. They are making a $6 billion investment here in Belgium. Belgium. US trade is off the charts. I have a list of $30 billion worth of deals that we are working to close from Belgium to the United States. Princess Astrid, you know, America doesn't have a princess. You guys over here have kings and queens and princesses. It's not something we're accustomed to in the United States. And the king's sister went to America with about 150 Belgian, and those deals are the deals we're focused on closing. What I try to do is to stay away from the noise, as I call it. There are obviously some things we can talk about US Policy being at the top of the list here. Some of the things that you mentioned, but those are not affecting the deals that we are working on. We are working on a $50 billion LNG deal here with Belgium, which would provide relief for the trade deal. You know, it's required by the trade deal for Europe to buy 750 billion dol of US energy. This would be 50 billion right off the top. So some of those things that you're talking about, of course, are very topical and pulsating and blinking. But on the trade front, people want to do business. And I'm so glad that those other things are not causing those entities to stop looking at doing deals with the United States.

[Bloomberg Host]

But I think perhaps referring to them as noise might feel like an understatement to some of the people who are following issues like Greenland so closely. You're someone who's known the president for many, many. I wonder, as a diplomat and as somebody who knows Donald Trump, what should we be expecting him to do next when it comes to Greenland?

[Bill White]

Well, two things. President Trump has been speaking about Greenland for a long, long time, and I don't think the Danes were listening, I'll be honest with you. But I will state that I was very happy to hear that. The meetings yesterday at the White House between the. The Danish Prime Minister and our great vice president and my favorite Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. These are two wonderful human beings that I've known very well. As you said, I've known President Trump for over 35 years. The strategic military importance of Greenland cannot be underestimated. It is not good for you and me sitting here for Chinese, Russian nuclear submarines and anything else that could threaten the security of the United States, NATO and Europe to be traveling free and clear through that area whenever they please. And so for those reasons, and some reasons we really can't explain on the radio, on the tv, here at Bloomberg, that are so sensitive and must be addressed. So I am hoping, and I believe there will be a productive framework between President Trump, the Prime Minister of Denmark, and this will lead to a more secure Greenland and. And that is secure for NATO, Europe.

[European Correspondent]

And the U.S. nATO, Denmark and Greenland have denied that that threat is there in the way that the United States describes. There is a concern in Europe about military intervention in Greenland. How likely do you think that might be? And therefore the real concern about the end of NATO. And I was listening to your remarks earlier on Bloomberg Television that you were saying that, you know, you're in the capital of, you know, the place where NATO has its headquarters. That alliance, 70, 80 years old, could be over.

[Bill White]

Yeah. Well, first of all, with all due respect, I think that whoever is making those statements. I know you're not making those statements, is ridiculous. President Trump is.

[European Correspondent]

Why ridiculous?

[Bill White]

Let me finish, please. President Trump is the greatest supporter that NATO has ever known and will ever know. He is the only person who helped to save NATO. He has raised over half a trillion dollars by pushing. And indeed, at the beginning, it was very much of a pushback from these countries to say, well, no, we just want America to keep paying for our defense. That's not a fair burden sharing. America was doing this for so long, and I am so proud of President Trump for securing the coalition of the willing for burden sharing. They are all now agreed to pay 5%. This is a massive, great economic program as well, because the expenditure of those funds will create jobs here in Europe. Europe's GDP compared to the United States 10 years ago is almost half the GDP of Germany, the most industrialized nation in all of Europe, per capita is less than the teeny tiny state of West Virginia.

[Bloomberg Host]

Dollar strength has an element to where those figures. I'm curious.

[Bill White]

But the point is. The point is there is no greater person in the world who is supporting NATO than Donald Trump. On top of which he cares so much about Europe. He does care about Europe. And that's why the policy initiatives are hoping and driving Europe to be a better, less regulated, more business focused continent.

[Bloomberg Host]

Do the ends justify the means, really? I mean, yes, European countries are committing more to spending on defense, but there's been huge damage to the transatlantic relationship and people are viewing America in a different light now. Is that worth it?

[Bill White]

I think people should be viewing the relationship as a strong one, as one that challenges each other. I think the way we were doing things for way too long was not a good situation for Europe. And you can see what has happened to Europe with overregulation. I heard the word. I learned new words. By the way, when I come to Belgium, the word for protest is a manifestation. It's acute. The word for deregulation is simplification. It makes sense to me. These rules have to be simplified for US And European businesses to just go back to doing business instead of fighting about policy and personalities. So I am very proud of what President Trump is trying to achieve here in Europe, which is to make Europe better than it is, make Europe stronger than it is, make Europe more strategic in its thinking about policy so that it can encourage business. Europe has been spending way out of control on social programs. Illegal migration issues are affecting Europe. These are things that we are addressing in the United States by the election of Donald Trump by over 8 million votes. I think a lot of people I talk to here in Belgium would like a change as well. The business people here would like a change as well.

[European Correspondent]

Yes, I suppose the question is about whether or not that is up to voters in Europe in terms of, you know, their elected leaders. Also, Belgium is a big customer in terms of US defence material, notably F35 jets. Are you concerned or do you have any views about this business potentially going to European defence companies in the future? Obviously, the EU guidelines are focused on prioritizing European companies.

[Bill White]

Yeah, you're talking about the aid money that was provided by the EU for Ukraine.

[Bloomberg Host]

Safe, let alone programs themselves.

[Bill White]

There is a provision in there, I don't know if you're aware of this, that a certain percentage would be allotted to US Companies. So the thinking there. One of the things I heard was the thinking there came from Ukraine and the leadership at the eu. So again, there's a lot. I say noise, meaning don't always believe what you hear and read. Do your research, Find out what's really going on. That's what I tried to do. I tried to focus on the one or two things that we can get along.

[Bloomberg Host]

So you're not worried about that business going to European companies?

[Bill White]

No. We just met with the defense Minister here the other day. They are purchasing 11 new F35s. We have major Patriot missile batteries and AMRAAMs that go along with that sale. We're talking over $8 billion of US military sales to Belgium. And of course, Belgium and other countries have the right to buy munitions and machinery from other, other countries. I think we have a better product for the value, and that's my job also to be helping defense industries co produce and collaborate with businesses here in Europe. I think we're making the tail of the F35 here in Belgium. We're making F35s in Italy. We are partnering with Swedish and German and British interests on military defense. So I like to focus where we can cooperate than where we can disagree.

[Bloomberg Host]

You are the ambassador to Belgium, and I want to talk about how closely aligned you feel the Belgium is with US Positions on issues like, for example, the use of frozen Russian assets. Are they a good representative for US Issues at the EU table?

[Bill White]

Very. I hadn't thought of it like that. Yes, I think we are aligned on so many more things than we may be deciding to. I haven't really heard anything we're arguing about at the moment between Belgium and the US And I think President Trump was supportive in a special way about making sure that these Russian sovereign assets here in Euroclear were safe and secure so that this could also be used in the negotiating table by Steve Witkoff and the President and Secretary Rubio. If that money was not here and someone had taken it or borrowed it or played with it or deployed it or invested it for whatever purposes they were thinking, I think it would be very dangerous for the negotiating table interests that are going on. So the fact that Bart De Waver, who is the. I think a great prime minister of Belgium, stood up to the EU pressure on this is very admirable. I think it was very hard for him to do that, but I'm very proud of him for doing that. Because if you're a business partner, listen, you're on Bloomberg. People understand this. If you have a clearinghouse that clears $45 trillion trillion dollars a year. You cannot mess with that system. And the uncertainty and instability of taking that money out would have been catastrophic.