Louder with Crowder
Episode Title: Trump's Greenland Deal: Triumph or Taco?
Air Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Steven Crowder
Key Guests: Scott Bessant, Howard Lutnick, Nick DePaolo
Episode Overview
This episode centers on President Trump’s high-profile Greenland deal, reactions from the Davos summit, the evolving U.S.-European alliance, media misrepresentation, and broader American and global politics. Crowder and guests engage in their usual irreverent style, dissecting media narratives, political hypocrisy, and the resonance of Trump’s negotiation tactics on the world stage. The show also critically examines recent claims about U.S. immigration enforcement, European defense contributions, and the ongoing “culture war” issues.
Major Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Trump-Greenland Deal: What’s Really Happening?
[10:00–15:20]
- Crowder addresses a developing deal between the U.S. and Greenland, referencing Trump’s use of tariffs as negotiation and the perceived “triumph” of American interests.
- Trump confirms via Truth Social that a framework has been formed with NATO’s Secretary General, potentially expanding U.S. involvement in Greenland and the Arctic.
- Crowder draws parallels with other U.S. military arrangements (e.g., UK bases in Cyprus), clarifies misconceptions, and highlights how Trump’s “Art of the Deal” strategy played a role.
- Notable Quote:
"This solution, if consummated... will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO nations." — (Trump’s Truth Social, read at [11:36])
Financial and Political Impact
[13:30–15:56]
- Short-term market volatility during Trump’s tariff threats is discussed; the panel observes that markets rebound stronger post-negotiation, supporting Trump’s methods.
- Crowder decries the recurring doom predictions by media and politicians:
"This is why the left is never held accountable... You want to attribute losses... but not the gains that have... helped Americans." — Crowder ([14:30])
2. Media Claims & Fact Checks: Is There Really a Greenland Threat?
[16:35–25:20]
- Media and European officials argue that Europe can handle Greenland’s security and downplay Chinese and Russian threats in the Arctic.
- Crowder presents Danish intelligence confirming Chinese and Russian military activity.
- Notable Exchange:
David: “…Danish naval officer…never seen a Chinese or a Russian ship.”
Crowder: “...Danish Intelligence Assessment 2025. Chinese icebreakers and research vessels operate in the Arctic... joint patrol exercises with Russia...” ([21:47])
Europe’s Contribution Under Scrutiny
[17:05–19:43]
- The show lampoons Europe’s limited ability to defend Greenland, with Denmark’s navy (“127 active units, 0 carriers”) dwarfed by China.
- European military contributions to Ukraine are contextualized—most aid is in refugee resettlement, not defense.
- Quote:
"The coalition of European nations send in like 30 something people... that’s enough?" — Crowder/S. Bessant ([17:26])
3. NATO & Atlantic Alliance Rhetoric
[25:55–36:17]
- Critics compare Trump to Putin, accusing him of jeopardizing the Atlantic alliance, bullying allies, and sowing discord.
- Crowder rebuts, citing the U.S. paying the bulk of NATO’s defense costs and holding Europe accountable for unmet commitments.
- Notable Quote:
"We've been paying for the meal for half a century... $20 trillion is what you owe us. Here you go." — Crowder ([34:57])
Social & Cultural Commentary
[36:23–36:59]
- The hosts highlight issues like rising crime in Europe (e.g., rape statistics in the UK) and criticize left-wing media’s narratives on race, immigration, and multiculturalism.
4. Davos Soundbites: Newsom, Soros, and “Censorship”
[41:30–47:40]
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statements at Davos about free speech and book banning (“they’re censoring books... 4,000 have been banned!”) are fact-checked. Crowder points out California bans classics, while conservatives oppose explicit/sexualized children’s books.
- Notable Moment:
"This is the guy that locked down California and filled in skate parks with sand..." — Crowder ([44:13])
- Panel mocks Alex Soros’s lackluster commentary at Davos and skewers perceived hypocrisy by elite liberals.
- Howard Lutnick (Bimolex) delivers biting satire about Newsom, likening him to “Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken.” ([49:23])
5. Immigration Enforcement: The Clinton/Obama Numbers Debate
[53:19–62:21]
- Crowder instructs conservatives to avoid the misleading talking point that Democrats out-deported Republicans, breaking down the difference between “returns” (turnarounds, informal processes) and actual court-ordered deportations.
- Cites official statistics:
- Clinton (true deportations in 8 yrs): ~870,000
- Obama: 1.4 million
- Trump (per month basis): More effective, with the total illegal alien population declining, not increasing.
- Panel Reaction:
"I never liked that argument. Sounds counterintuitive to what we're trying to get done here." — S. Bessant ([60:55])
6. Masculinity, Language Policing, and Culture War
[63:00–66:18]
- Panel discusses linguistic policing (“illegal alien” vs “undocumented”), gender debates, and generational divides in assertiveness.
- Crowder connects these themes to the left’s broader influence in institutions and “feminization” of discourse.
- Includes irreverent takes on gender pronouns and identity politics.
- Notable Quote:
"You tell me that you’re going to order me around, you better be able to make me. That's what Jennings is saying. …the byproduct of feminism failing young men." — Crowder ([65:44])
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Trump’s Denmark Negotiations ([11:36]):
“Based upon a very productive meeting … we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and … the entire Arctic region. … I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect February 1st. You’re welcome.” - On European Military Capability ([17:47]):
“Can Europe defend itself? …Yeah, but only with Americans.” - Satirical Skewering of Newsom & Soros ([49:23]):
“Governor Newsom … may be the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris.” — Howard Lutnick - Mocking Media Defense of Greenland Security ([22:34]):
“Danish Intelligence ... Chinese icebreakers and research vessels operate in the Arctic, … joint patrol exercises with Russia.… But CNN can’t quite get this clear.” — Crowder
Timestamps of Important Segments
- Greenland Deal/Trump’s Strategy: [10:00–15:56]
- Media & Military Claims Debunked: [16:35–25:25]
- Atlantic Alliance, U.S. Spending, and NATO: [25:55–36:17]
- Crime, Immigration & Europe Social Issues: [36:23–36:59]
- Davos Clips/Newsom & Soros Lampooned: [41:30–47:40]
- Immigration ‘Deportation Numbers’ Myth-Busting: [53:19–62:21]
- Masculinity, Discourse, & Cultural Satire: [63:00–66:18]
Conclusion & Tone
Steeped in characteristic sarcasm, unapologetic humor, and pointed critique, this episode presents Trump’s Greenland negotiation as a case study in American assertiveness and media misrepresentation. Crowder’s team dispels left-wing talking points and reframes arguments about immigration, military spending, and international alliances, frequently lampooning adversaries and media figures alike. The panel’s mix of factual breakdowns and biting asides makes this a quintessential “Louder with Crowder” installment—politically incorrect, self-assured, and combative.
For Further Engagement
- Full video available at louderwithcrowder.com/mugclub
- All references and in-depth sources are cited or discussed within the live show (often at [24:15], [34:22], [57:36]).
Note:
Sections referencing ads, promotions, and the pre-show banter have been omitted to focus on core content as requested.
