Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show

Episode: Ep. 1896 – He Actually Did It: Trump Set To Get Greenland
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)

Overview

In this episode, Michael Knowles analyzes the astonishing political developments at Davos, focusing on former President Trump’s striking moves on the world stage—chief among them, a tentative deal for U.S. control over Greenland and the announcement of a prospective new international body, the “Board of Peace.” Knowles also critiques Gavin Newsom’s controversial appearance in Europe and comments on a surprising new stance by Britain’s NHS on cousin marriage. The episode concludes with reflection on faith through the story of college football player Fernando Mendoza.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump's Bold Play for Greenland at Davos

• The Setting: Davos, center of the World Economic Forum, where global elites gather—“all the liberal globalists from all around the world, especially run by Europeans.” (06:00)
• The Controversy: Trump announces a framework for the U.S. to take effective control of Greenland, triggering sharp reactions from European countries, and provoking speculation about NATO and the evolving world order.
• European Response: France, Denmark, and other European nations posture against the move, suggesting NATO threats and warnings of military escalation.
• NATO’s Position: Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, ultimately aligns with Trump’s view on Arctic strategy.

  “President Trump is right. Other leaders in NATO are right. We need to defend the Arctic … We have to protect the Arctic against Russian and Chinese influence.” – Jens Stoltenberg (05:05)

• The Reality of Power: Knowles underscores that despite European bluster, U.S. leadership is the foundation of NATO and Western security.

  “Europe is, for all intents and purposes, a series of colonies of the United States ... But now we're the big dog. That's just how it works. And Trump doesn't want anyone to forget it.” – Michael Knowles (08:45)

• Trump's Negotiation Philosophy: Trump uses rhetoric that’s part “mafioso” or even emperor-like, but Knowles sees this as simple realism about the hierarchy of world powers.

  “You should be grateful to us. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that … the next time you make your statements.” – Donald Trump (09:41) “He's speaking like the leader of a great power, which we are. And it's good that he's speaking that way, because that is reality.” – Michael Knowles (10:28)

• Dealmaking Details: When pressed, Trump vaguely describes the Greenland agreement as “a long term deal,” even “infinite,” focusing on effective American control without formal annexation.

  “It's a long term deal. It's the ultimate long term deal and I think it puts everyone in a really good position.” – Donald Trump (14:05) “What do we really want here? We're gonna control Greenland … However we need to gussy that up and describe it to make everyone feel good about it, whatever.” – Michael Knowles (14:19)

2. Strategic Messaging in Trump’s Administration

• Political Unity: Trump clarifies that VP J.D. Vance will lead Greenland negotiations, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, countering rumors of division.

  “Vice President J.D. Vance. That's the key … He just sets it up again. The vice president. I'm putting him in charge of the negotiations.” – Michael Knowles (20:10)

• Media Tactics: Knowles explains how both the left and malcontents on the right attempt to “sow discord” but Trump parries with precise words in statements.

3. The ‘Board of Peace’: A New World Order?

• Trump’s Announcement: Unveiling of the “Board of Peace,” an aspirational body aiming to broker international peace, possibly supplanting the United Nations.

  “It’s my enormous honor to serve as its chairman … this board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created.” – Donald Trump (21:34)

• Purpose: Inclusion of adversaries like Russia; intent is authentic peace negotiations rather than exclusionary alliances.

  “We want all nations...where people have control, people have power that we're never going to have a problem. This is the greatest board ever assembled, and everybody wants to be on it.” – Donald Trump (22:18)

• Comparison with UN: Knowles asserts that this is essentially a power-play to marginalize the UN, which he criticizes as an “outgrowth of liberal nonsense.”

  “We’re gonna found the good UN. That’s my read on it … The problem with the UN is not that we have an international body … the problem is it doesn’t do it.” – Michael Knowles (23:15)

• Political Obstacles: Russia’s joining is conditional; European nations reluctant; Middle East countries and Israel are on board despite legal complications for Netanyahu.
• Invitation to the Pope: Knowles argues the Pope should reject participation, noting his spiritual, not temporal, authority.

  “The Pope's authority is chiefly a spiritual authority. The papal states don't exist anymore...the Pope should be able to provide a kind of illumination … spiritual authority.” – Michael Knowles (26:56)

4. Gavin Newsom's “Sex Fantasies” and Treason Accusations

• Newsom’s Remarks in Davos: The California governor openly mocks Trump and the U.S. position, urging Europeans to resist American (Trump’s) Greenland ambitions, using sexualized and derisive metaphors.

  “I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders … Diplomacy with Donald Trump, He's a T. Rex. You mate with him or he devours you.” – Gavin Newsom (30:46)

• Newsom Doubles Down: Sells “Trump Signature Series knee pads” as a joke, compounding the sexual innuendo and mockery of Europe and U.S. policy.

  “They are the new Trump Signature series knee pads … available in bulk too.” – Gavin Newsom (34:17)

• Knowles’ Response: He condemns Newsom’s comments as “treasonous,” disrespectful, and unpatriotic, noting that it undermines a century-and-a-half of established U.S. grand strategy.

  “Disgust. I mean, really disgusting … treasonous behavior on foreign soil.” – Michael Knowles (31:30)

• Scott Bessent’s Roast: The U.S. Treasury Secretary lampoons Newsom for hypocrisy and incompetence.

  “Governor Newsom, who strikes me as Patrick Bateman meets Sparkle Beach Ken, may be the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris.” – Scott Bessent (36:19)

• Newsom’s Defense: Caught between embarrassment and bravado, Newsom says, “Fire with fire.” Knowles characterizes Newsom as an “empty suit” lacking clear identity or principles.

  “He doesn't really believe in anything. He's an empty suit and some pomade.” – Michael Knowles (39:17)

5. Britain’s NHS and Cousin Marriage

• NHS Statement: UK National Health Service releases guidelines minimizing genetic risks of cousin marriage, touting social benefits.

  “Marriage and procreation between first cousins can be beneficial and the risks have been, quote, exaggerated.” – NHS Announcement (45:45)

• Knowles’ Analysis: He connects the move to cultural accommodation of immigrant practices (notably Pakistani communities), referencing the ban’s origins in Catholic doctrine and its historical reversal under Henry VIII.

  “No, the downside is your kid is gonna have a ton of problems. The upside is we won't offend the Pakistanis who have taken over our country. That's really what this is about.” – Michael Knowles (46:33) “Guess who first upended the ban on cousin marriage? … None other than Henry VIII." – Michael Knowles (47:30)

• Broader Point: The discussion is a launching pad for Knowles on how once sexual or moral mores are loosened, degeneration follows.

6. Faith on the Football Field: Fernando Mendoza

• Mendoza’s Faith: Promising college football player, openly and humbly professes his Catholic faith, crediting God for his success and purpose.

  “This season is the season I've gotten the closest to the most religious I've ever been … the platform to also praise God and to praise Jesus Christ.” – Fernando Mendoza (51:22)

• Knowles’ Reflection: Emphasizes that faith is not just a side aspect but should be the guiding purpose of one’s life, even above career successes.

  “It's that him being a great athlete is for the religious stuff. He is doing everything that he does in his life, including be really good at football, for religion.” – Michael Knowles (52:08)

• Meditation on Mortality: Calls listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and to order life toward ultimate ends—knowing and serving God.

  “You should wake up every single day thinking about the fact that you will die. That will make your day better.” – Michael Knowles (54:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on U.S.–Canada Relations:

  “Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should be grateful also. But they're not … Canada lives because of the United States.” (09:41)

• On NATO and U.S. Power:

  “Let's dispel with this fiction that NATO is just some entity outside of … It's the expansion of the American empire is what it is.” – Michael Knowles (14:19)

• Gavin Newsom’s “Knee Pads” Metaphor:

  "I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders … Diplomacy with Donald Trump, He's a T. Rex. You mate with him or he devours you." (30:46)

• Scott Bessent Dismantling Newsom:

  "Governor Newsom ... may be the only Californian who knows less about economics than Kamala Harris … when everyone else is on lockdown … he was having thousand dollar a night meals at the French Laundry.” (36:19)

• On Cousin Marriage:

  “The downside is your kid is gonna have a ton of problems. The upside is we won’t offend the Pakistanis who have taken over our country.” – Michael Knowles (46:33)

• Fernando Mendoza’s Declaration:

  “...also the platform to also praise God and to praise Jesus Christ. And I would say it’s just a big part of myself and my identity and, you know, really just gotta thank the man upstairs.” (51:22)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:54] – NATO Secretary General: Defense of the Arctic and rationale for U.S. policy in Greenland
• [09:41] – Trump’s “Canada should be grateful” comments
• [13:12] – Trump confirms framework for Greenland deal
• [21:34] – Trump announces the Board of Peace
• [30:46] – Gavin Newsom’s remarks at Davos (knee pads and T-Rex metaphor)
• [36:19] – Scott Bessent’s response to Newsom
• [45:45] – NHS on cousin marriage
• [51:22] – Fernando Mendoza’s faith-focused interview

Summary and Tone

Michael Knowles delivers the episode with characteristic wit, sarcasm, and a blend of gravitas and humor. He lionizes Trump’s directness and views recent moves as reaffirming American hegemony. Critics, especially Gavin Newsom, are cast as traitorous or unserious. Knowles’s take on cousin marriage is frank and culturally combative, while the closing discussion on faith is earnest, philosophical, and exhortative. The episode moves rapidly between sharp political commentary and deeper meditations on national purpose and spiritual meaning.