Global News Podcast – US Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland

BBC World Service | Host: Alex Ritson | January 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode centers on escalating tensions between the US and its European allies as President Donald Trump threatens sweeping tariffs over their opposition to his proposal to purchase Greenland from Denmark. The episode also delves into major global events, including mass protests and political developments in Iran and Uganda, US domestic immigration enforcement controversies, a NASA lunar milestone, major scientific news around paracetamol and pregnancy, and European cultural stories.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. US Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland (00:30–10:52)

• Backdrop:

  • President Trump intensifies longstanding interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
  • Recent threats include a plan to implement up to 25% tariffs on imports from eight European countries (including Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, and the UK) in retaliation for their opposition.
  • The US is leveraging both economic threats and national security rhetoric.

• Greenlandic Response & European Solidarity:

  • Widespread protests erupt in Greenland, with demonstrators emphasizing national identity and self-determination:

    "We don't want anyone to take our country. We want to be our own country. Greenland will always be Greenland. We don't want to have war." (Protesters, 02:25)

  • Support for Denmark and hope that global alliances will resist US pressure.

• White House Position:

  • Stephen Miller (Deputy Chief of Staff) on Fox News:

    "Greenland is essential for America's national security... Denmark is a tiny country with a tiny economy and a tiny military. They cannot defend Greenland." (Stephen Miller, 03:15)

  • Emphasis on militarization, control of Arctic shipping, and resource competition.

• European Reactions:

  • French President Emmanuel Macron labels the tariff threats "unacceptable," calling for European unity.
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer:

    "Applying tariffs on allies for defending NATO's collective security is completely wrong." (Keir Starmer, 04:02)

  • EU officials warn of a dangerous decline in relations.

• Expert Analysis:

  • David Willis, North America Correspondent:
    • Trump’s move seen as political brinkmanship, drawing in the EU and risking the NATO alliance if military action is taken.

    "He has allowed himself a two-week window... those first 10% tariffs won't be introduced until the end of this month. That's some wriggle room..." (David Willis, 06:10)

    • Underlying US interest seen as both strategic (Arctic control) and economic (rare earth minerals).

    "Greenland... is rich in rare earth minerals... the sort of minerals that China currently has the monopoly over." (David Willis, 08:02)

2. Iran’s Supreme Leader Admits Mass Deaths in Protests (10:53–18:40)

• Ayatollah Khamenei’s Acknowledgment:

  • First-time admission that “a few thousand people died” in anti-government protests, while blaming "agents" and President Trump.
  • Calls Trump "a criminal" over his alleged role.

• On-the-ground Voices:

  • Iranians express despair, frustration, and feelings of abandonment by Western powers.

    "My sister said... people... jokingly say they're waiting for Trump to attack... People's hopes are pinned on Trump's words." (Anonymous, 14:10)

    • Notable anger as they feel promises of support turned out to be empty.

• Analysis:

  • Siavash Ardalan, BBC Persian:
    • Highlights the significance of the Supreme Leader’s admission of thousands killed—previously officials only referenced dozens.

    "...it’s very significant that he says thousands of people were killed, but he doesn’t mean the protesters. He is saying that the people affiliated with the government were killed." (Siavash Ardalan, 16:30)

    • Iranians feel “angry, betrayed... the sense of frustration, grief and now abandonment... is pervasive...” (Siavash Ardalan, 17:55)

3. Uganda Election: Museveni Wins Seventh Term Amid Controversy (18:41–25:51)

• Election Results:

  • President Yoweri Museveni declared victor with 72% of the vote.
  • Main opponent, Bobi Wine, contests results, alleges fraud, claims house arrest, and goes into hiding.

• Irregularities and Oppression:

  • Reports of multiple voting, ballot stuffing, impersonation.

    “All these undermine the integrity of the process.” (Benjamin Katana, opposition official, 19:55)

  • Internet blackout complicates verification of events.

• Expert Perspective:

  • Richard Kigoi, Kenyan Journalist:
    • Museveni’s win widely expected; crackdown on opposition a recurring theme.

    “No major celebrations really took place following the announcement.” (Richard Kigoi, 24:40)

  • Split popular opinion: some see Museveni as a stabilizing figure, others (especially youth) yearn for change.

4. Federal Judge Restricts ICE Protest Tactics in Minnesota (25:52–31:00)

• Background:

  • 3,000 ICE agents sent to Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Goode during an ICE operation.
  • Judge orders ICE not to detain peaceful protesters, bans crowd control agents.

• On-the-Ground Report:

  • Atmosphere tense as protesters and ICE face off near their headquarters.
  • Protesters describe fear, especially of racial profiling:

    “It's scary right now. I literally have my passport with me right now... I hate seeing what's going on in our state right now.” (Protester, Logan, 28:52)

  • Frequent police warnings to demonstrators; heightened anxiety among immigrant communities.

5. NASA’s Artemis 2 Moon Mission Arrives at Launch Pad (31:01–35:00)

• Historic Context:

  • Artemis 2 to fly four astronauts around the moon — first human lunar mission in over 50 years.
  • NASA Chief Jared Isaacman:

    “We are doing this to fulfill a promise to the American people that we will return to the moon.” (Jared Isaacman, 32:10)

  • Mission details: 10 days, extensive Earth orbit testing, then lunar flyby.

• Science Editor Rebecca Morell:

  • High anticipation, particularly with China also racing for the moon.

    “This time around, it's with China, who've been pushing ahead to get to the moon... It will be really interesting to see how the two continue and who gets there first.” (Rebecca Morell, 34:25)

6. Major Study: Paracetamol in Pregnancy Proven Safe (35:01–37:45)

• Study Findings:

  • Large-scale international review finds no increased risk of autism, ADHD, or other disability from paracetamol use during pregnancy.
  • Contradicts President Trump’s widely-publicized warnings.

• Expert Testimony:

  • Dr. Asma Khalil, St George's Hospital, London:

    “There is no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism, ADHD or intellectual disability... It remains to be the first line treatment if you have fever or pain during pregnancy.” (Dr. Khalil, 36:20)

  • Calls for careful public messaging to prevent pregnant women from risking their health unnecessarily.

7. European Film Awards & Scottish Kilts Debate (37:46–End)

• Film Awards:

  • "Sentimental Value" (Norwegian, by Stellan Skarsgård) sweeps the European Film Awards — may garner Oscar nominations.

    “It’s now become the most successful Norwegian film of all time.” (Tom Brook, 38:40)

  • European films are taking advantage of Hollywood’s retreat from adult dramas.

• Scotland’s World Cup Kilt Controversy:

  • Scottish football team to wear suits, not kilts, at World Cup — dividing fans; traditionalists decry loss of cultural symbolism.

    “When these athletes are wearing the kilt, it is so beautiful to look at, and it is so powerful... I felt, gosh, going over to the USA, where there is a huge diaspora of Scots...there'll be massive disappointment.” (Marian Foster, master kilt tailor, 41:50)

  • Master kilt tailoring as a lasting tradition; kilts seen as a symbol of national identity.

Memorable Quotes

• On Greenland:

  “The message is that Greenland is not for sale. We want to have our own country. Greenland will always be Greenland.”
  — Greenland protester (02:40)

• On Arctic Strategy:

  “Greenland is essential for America's national security... Denmark is a tiny country with a tiny economy and a tiny military."
  — Stephen Miller, White House (03:15)

• On Paracetamol Controversy:

  “Our findings from this study send a strong, reassuring message... it’s safe to take paracetamol in pregnancy.”
  — Dr. Asma Khalil (36:55)

• On Scottish Kilts:

  “It is so beautiful to look at and it is so powerful... it brought belongingness of the team.”
  — Marian Foster, master kilt tailor (41:50)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Tariffs & Greenland protests: 00:30–10:52
• Iran protest deaths admission & analysis: 10:53–18:40
• Uganda election & opposition reaction: 18:41–25:51
• Minnesota ICE protests & court restrictions: 25:52–31:00
• NASA Artemis 2 moon mission: 31:01–35:00
• Paracetamol safety study: 35:01–37:45
• European film awards: 37:46–40:45
• Scottish kilts debate: 40:46–End

Takeaway

The episode delivers a sweeping overview of consequential developments in geopolitics, science, culture, and social justice. Each segment combines on-the-ground voices, expert analysis, and global context, illustrating the complexity of the modern news landscape under the shadow of US influence, shifting alliances, and evolving cultural debates.