Up First from NPR – January 22, 2026

Greenland Emergency Summit, New World Order, SCOTUS Justices Hear Fed Case

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on three major stories dominating the global news cycle:

1. An emergency summit in Brussels as European leaders respond to President Trump’s push for a deal with NATO over Greenland.
2. Tensions between the United States and allies, especially following heated exchanges between President Trump and Canada’s Prime Minister at Davos, reflecting shifting attitudes about the US-led world order.
3. Supreme Court arguments challenging Trump’s effort to fire a Federal Reserve governor, raising questions about central bank independence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Greenland Emergency Summit and US-NATO Deal

• Urgent Summit Called: European leaders gathered in Brussels in response to President Trump’s threats of using military force or tariffs to gain control of Greenland, a Danish territory.
  • [02:05] Layla Fadel: “European leaders meet in Brussels tonight for a summit that was called urgently as a reaction to President Trump's previous statements about possible military action to take Greenland...”
• Trump’s Announcement: During the World Economic Forum at Davos, Trump claims a deal has been reached:
  • [02:26] President Donald Trump: “We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be frankly unstoppable. But I won't do that.”
• Deal Details Remain Unclear:
  • [02:57] Terry Schulz (in Brussels): “We really don't know the details yet... There are reports... it could include giving the US sovereignty over small pieces of Greenlandic territory, perhaps for building up more military bases there... possibly for participation in the eventual Golden Dome missile defense system.”
  • The US already has rights to expand its military presence under existing agreements, but not actual ownership of Greenlandic land, which Trump explicitly demands.
• Trump’s Justification on Ownership:
  • [03:50] President Donald Trump: “All we're asking for is to get Greenland, including right title and ownership, because you need the ownership to defend it. You can't defend it on a lease.”
• European & Local Response:
  • Relief among European leaders that Trump backed off military threats and imminent tariffs.
    • [04:14] Terry Schulz: “There's definitely the feeling of being able to breathe a bit more easily... Danish Foreign Minister... said it ended better than it started...”
  • Danish and Greenlandic leaders underscore limits: sovereignty is off the table.
    • [04:45] Terry Schulz: “Denmark's Prime Minister… underscored that things like security, investment and economy can be discussed politically, but not sovereignty... only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions on issues relating to Denmark and Greenland.”
    • Greenlandic Parliament member: “NATO in no way has a mandate to negotiate without Greenland.”
• Takeaway: Despite Trump’s satisfaction, serious sovereignty concerns remain, and European/Greenlandic leaders are wary of the process and the precedent.

2. New World Order? Trump vs. Canada and US Allies

• Fallout at Davos: President Trump’s rhetoric and direct attacks cause friction.
• Canadian PM Mark Carney’s Viral Speech:
  • [06:01] Greg Myhre: “Carney spoke Tuesday… made this sweeping claim, saying that the global order built and led by the US for 80 years was not just strained, it had actually come apart.”
  • [06:19] Mark Carney (quoted): “Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. Great powers have begun using economic integration as weapons, tariffs as leverage, financial infrastructure as coercion, supply chains as vulnerabilities to be exploited.”
  • Carney highlights Canada’s turn toward China for economic partnership, bluntly stating China is “now a more reliable partner than the US.”
• Trump’s Retaliation:
  • [07:04] President Donald Trump: “I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn't so grateful. But they should be grateful to us, Canada. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
• Tensions with NATO and Europe:
  • Trump reiterates his narrative that the US is “treated very unfairly by NATO.”
    • [07:57] President Donald Trump: “The United States is treated very unfairly by NATO. I want to tell you that... we give so much and we get so little in return.”
  • [08:10] Greg Myhre (context): Cites NATO’s collective support for the US post-9/11, noting more than 1,000 European and Canadian troops killed in Afghanistan.
• Is Trump’s Approach Different in This Term?
  • [08:43] Greg Myhre: “Trump has really gone from a lot of tough talk to taking stronger actions when it comes to tariffs or economic cooperation or military cooperation. And remember, Trump talked about acquiring Greenland in his first term, drawing mostly eye rolls. This time he got everyone's attention and perhaps even some sort of a deal, though we’re still waiting for the details.”

3. SCOTUS: Can Trump Fire a Federal Reserve Governor?

• The Case: Trump attempts to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, with Supreme Court weighing whether the president has such authority.
  • [09:15] Layla Fadel: “President Trump is meeting some resistance in his attempt to fire a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors.”
• Arguments and Concerns:
  • [10:05] Scott Horsley: “This Supreme Court has generally given Trump a lot of latitude to fire officials from other independent agencies… but justices have signaled the Federal Reserve is a special case.”
  • Fed designed to be insulated from politics; no president has ever tried to remove a governor for cause before.
    • [10:31] Ian Martinez (reading lawyer’s statement): “No president from Woodrow Wilson to Joseph Biden has ever even tried to remove a governor for cause, despite the ever present temptation for lower rates and easier money.”
• Legal and Precedent Risks:
  • Justices, especially Brett Kavanaugh, worry about undermining central bank independence.
    • [11:21] Justice Brett Kavanaugh (paraphrased): “If this were set as a precedent… all the current president’s appointees would likely be removed for cause… then where are we?”
• Fed Policy Outlook:
  • Fed has been cutting, but not as rapidly as Trump wants; Powell and board resist political pressure.
    • [12:31] Ian Martinez: “This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”
  • [12:43] Scott Horsley: Powell may stay on board after chairmanship expires, potentially frustrating Trump’s ability to install loyalists.

4. Bonus Segment: Rahm Emanuel on Corporate America and Politics

• Emanuel’s Critique:
  • [13:30] Rahm Emanuel: “Corporate America, they've sold out America... you benefit from a nation built on laws, and you're watching from the sideline, a nation being destroyed and walking away from the rule of law... You are timid souls.”
  • [14:15] Rahm Emanuel: “The Republican parties are dominated by a monopolist mindset, and our party started to get dominated by a bunch of Marxists. And both Marxism and monopolists don't serve the economy well.”
• Context: Rahm Emanuel, Democratic veteran, discusses his possible 2028 run and critiques both parties’ relationships with business and regulation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump (to Canada’s PM):

  “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
  — [07:04]

• Mark Carney, Canadian PM, on US-led World Order:

  “Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. Great powers have begun using economic integration as weapons...”
  — [06:19]

• President Trump on Greenland:

  “All we're asking for is to get Greenland, including right title and ownership, because you need the ownership to defend it. You can't defend it on a lease.”
  — [03:50]

• Greenlandic Parliament’s Pushback:

  “NATO in no way has a mandate to negotiate without Greenland.”
  — [05:22]

• Justice Kavanaugh on Fed Governor Firing Precedent:

  “If this were set as a precedent, it seems to me what goes around comes around...”
  — [11:21]

• Rahm Emanuel on Corporate America:

  “You are your company is a direct beneficiary [of America] and you're like the three monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. You are timid souls.”
  — [13:30]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Greenland Summit & Trump’s Deal Claim: [02:05] – [05:32]
• European & Local Response to Greenland Plan: [04:11] – [05:32]
• Canada PM’s World Order Speech & US Response: [06:01] – [07:18]
• NATO, Europe, and Trump’s Rhetoric: [07:41] – [08:35]
• Fed Governor Firing – SCOTUS Hearing: [09:15] – [12:57]
• Rahm Emanuel Bonus Segment: [13:07] – [14:28]

Conclusion

This Up First episode offers a rapid yet insightful overview of critical events shaping international relations and US domestic governance:

• The contentious approach to Greenland reflects a new assertiveness in US policy, with European and local sensitivities on display.
• The US is at odds with close allies, with Canada and Europe openly questioning American leadership and actions.
• The Supreme Court’s response to Trump’s Fed interventions signals an ongoing battle for institutional independence amid unprecedented executive aggression.

For those following global affairs, economic policy, or the shifting balance of US power at home and abroad, this episode’s sharp analysis and direct quotes from leaders provide essential context and clarity.