Podcast Summary: The Journal.

Episode: How Far Will Trump Go to Get Greenland?
Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: Jessica Mendoza & Ryan Knutson
Key Guest: Max Colchester
Main Theme:
This episode explores the escalating standoff between the United States—under President Donald Trump—and Europe over Trump's renewed and aggressive bid to control Greenland. It delves into diplomatic tensions, military posturing, economic threats, and the broader stakes for transatlantic alliances, as well as on-the-ground perspectives in Greenland itself.

1. Main Theme Overview

• The episode centers on President Trump's intensified efforts to gain control over Greenland—a territory owned by Denmark—arguing national security and economic opportunity. The resulting strain between the US and Europe has led to economic threats, military maneuvers, and diplomatic uncertainty.

2. Key Discussion Points & Insights

Trump’s Renewed Push for Greenland

• Trump reignited his pursuit of Greenland following his reelection.

• His rationale: National security (concerns over Russian and Chinese Arctic advances), and access to rare earth minerals critical for technology and defense.

• Trump’s private and public comments signal growing impatience and willingness to escalate, including the use of force.

  "We're not going to have Russia or China occupy Greenland... we're going to be doing something with Greenland either the nice way or the more difficult way."
  — Donald Trump (01:01)

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

• An exchange of messages between Trump and European leaders (notably Norway and France) went public, highlighting both sides' frustrations and attempts to de-escalate.
• European leaders view the US shift as a profound threat rather than partnership.

Economic Threats and Repercussions

• Trump responded to a small EU troop deployment in Greenland by threatening 10% tariffs on participating nations, escalating threats to 25%.

• Europe considers using the "anti-coercion instrument" (dubbed "the bazooka"), which would impose harsh trade and regulatory measures on the US.

  “They have tools to inflict economic pain on US based businesses... they could restrict certain products, make it harder for US tech firms, impose tariffs, even restrict access to financial markets."
  — Max Colchester (07:24)

• Such moves are risky for both sides, due to potential economic blowback and the threat of further American escalation.

Greenland’s Strategic and Economic Reality

• Greenland is vast (larger than Mexico), 80% ice, with only 57,000 inhabitants, primarily on the coast.

• The economy is tiny—98% of exports are fish; mining hopes are largely unrealized due to logistical and financial challenges.

  "It's not a gold mine in that sense. It's more of a money pit."
  — Max Colchester (11:29)

• Denmark heavily subsidizes Greenland, spending about $1 billion per year.

  "They provide the Greenlandic government with what's called a grant every year... cover healthcare, pay for the defense of Greenland."
  — Max Colchester (11:53)

• Trump has not addressed how the US would maintain these subsidies if it took control.

The Greenlandic Perspective

• Most Greenlanders do not want to become an American territory. Recent protests in Nuuk and Copenhagen reflected strong anti-US sentiment.

• However, some are curious about what a US offer might involve.

  "I know a lot of Greenlanders say they don't want to become American, but I think it would be very interesting to see what happens if Trump did put an offer on the table."
  — Max Colchester (14:30)

The Davos Moment

• The World Economic Forum in Davos coincides with the standoff, offering a critical venue for dialogue—and possibly de-escalation.

  "The theme at Davos is the spirit of dialogue—well, good luck with that."
  — Max Colchester (15:12)

• Some hope the Ukraine "playbook"—crisis followed by diplomacy—can be applied, though uncertainty looms.

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Trump’s Blunt Statements

• "America needs Greenland for national security reasons and anyone who stands in my way of getting it will be punished."
  — Max Colchester, paraphrasing Trump (01:13)

• "They can't protect it. Denmark... they're wonderful people... but they don't even go there."
  — Donald Trump (04:40)

Diplomatic Friction

• "Now Europe is wondering if the US is turning from a steadfast ally into an urgent threat."
  — Jessica Mendoza (01:31)

• "[The EU's response] has to be calibrated very carefully... a lot of the EU members would probably lobby against extremely stringent measures, fearing blow back on their own economies. So it's not a silver bullet..."
  — Max Colchester (08:13)

On-the-Ground Perspective

• "You realize people basically live off fishing and Danish subsidies."
  — Max Colchester (11:29)

• "America has a bad record in dealing with indigenous people, and they know that. So... they're wary."
  — Max Colchester (13:13)

Davos & The Future of Alliances

• "If he goes through with this, then it is existential for the alliance."
  — Max Colchester (16:08)

• "The previous tactic of promising him huge investments and basically playing along with his charade... will stop and they'll have to just essentially tell him some hard truths."
  — Max Colchester (16:42)

International Response

• "Greenland's sovereignty is, quote, non negotiable."
  — Jessica Mendoza, quoting Ursula von der Leyen (16:59)

• "Russia's foreign minister compared Trump's push for Greenland with Moscow's annexation of Crimea."
  — Jessica Mendoza (16:59)

4. Important Timestamps by Segment

• 00:05–01:38: Opening setup—Trump's private messages, escalation of rhetoric, and European alarm.
• 03:29–04:52: Denmark and the EU rebut Trump’s interest; context for Greenland’s status.
• 05:13–06:52: EU troop deployment to Greenland, misinterpretation, and Trump’s tariff threats.
• 07:24–09:04: Europe’s “bazooka” anti-coercion tool, pros and cons, escalation risk.
• 09:35–11:53: Dispatch from Greenland—its environment, economy, and dependence on subsidies.
• 12:19–14:30: Greenlandic public opinion, protests, and nuanced local views.
• 14:47–15:12: Outlook for Davos and possibilities for de-escalation.
• 16:08–16:59: Broader implications for the US-EU alliance and final international reactions.

5. Flow, Tone, and Takeaways

The episode moves briskly from presidential text exchanges, through diplomatic and economic brinkmanship, to on-the-ground reporting and international responses. The tone is urgent, informative, and at times incredulous at the pace and scale of developments.

Key Takeaway:
Trump’s renewed and forceful pursuit of Greenland has upended diplomatic norms, provoked realignment in Europe’s approach to the US, and tested the resilience of postwar alliances. Greenland itself, far from being a treasure trove, faces the prospect of being fought over without its consent—raising pressing questions about sovereignty, self-determination, and the true costs of empire.