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

Summary

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Up First from NPR – January 22, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

Transcript

[Ian Martinez]

President Trump says a framework of a deal has been worked out with NATO on Greenland.

[Layla Fadel]

His announcement comes after a speech in Davos where he attacked NATO and scolded allies. What do we know about this supposed compromise?

[Ian Martinez]

I'm Ian Martinez. That's Layla Fadel. And this is up first from NPR News. The World Economic Forum showed just how much President Trump has angered US Allies. Canada's prime minister basically declared the US Led world order dead. And Trump then addressed him directly in his speech.

[President Donald Trump]

They should be grateful to US Canada. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark the next time you make your statements.

[Ian Martinez]

Is the US Isolating itself?

[Layla Fadel]

And Supreme Court justices had tough questions for Trump's lawyers as they weigh whether the president can fire a Federal Reserve governor. Stay with us. We'll give you the news. You need to start your. This message comes from BetterHelp. President Fernando Madera shares BetterHelp's commitment to expanding access to therapy.

[Greg Myhre]

Our State of Stigma report helped us understand that believing in mental health is easy, but asking for help is not. Now, with the report on our hands, we can work to make mental health care more accessible.

[Layla Fadel]

To get matched with a therapist, visit betterhelp.com NPR for 10% off your first month.

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[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, the semi autonomous Danish territory.

[Ian Martinez]

Trump also had said he would impose new tariffs on countries that opp. But then the president spoke Wednesday in Davos.

[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.

[Ian Martinez]

He ruled out military force in an otherwise threatening speech. And on Wednesday, he said that a long term agreement on Greenland had been reached and that it would be good for everybody.

[Layla Fadel]

Terry Schulz joins us from Brussels to discuss European reaction and what happens next. Good morning, Terry. Hi, Leila. Okay, so do we know any details of this Long term agreement.

[Terry Schulz]

We really don't know the details yet, and I've been scanning Danish media this morning, and there are a lot of questions being raised there. It's just been hours since we got word that there'd been a compromise at all after this fiery speech by President Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and he hadn't indicated any such thing was coming. So while the details haven't been made public, there are reports in the New York Times, for example, that 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. Now, Leila, the US Already has the right to expand its military presence under existing agreements with Greenland and Denmark, but the land on which these bases would sit does not belong to the US under current arrangements. And ownership has been such a big issue for Trump, and he repeated that multiple times in Davos. Let's listen to one example.

[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.

[Terry Schulz]

So Trump's obvious satisfaction with the compromise indicates it could very well include some limited transfer of land ownership. And it's also expected to address US Access to mineral rights.

[Layla Fadel]

How are European leaders reacting to the developments in Davos?

[Terry Schulz]

Well, there's definitely the feeling of being able to breathe a bit more easily after Trump walked back. These threats of military force and imminent tariffs, which have been a feature of daily discussion here in Brussels recently. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Likke Rasmussen summed up Wednesday saying it ended better than it started, as there had been so much apprehension about what might happen in Davos.

[Layla Fadel]

Now we've seen protests in Denmark and Greenland against Trump's ambitions. Is this new framework something their governments are likely to accept? Or as much as we know about it, yeah.

[Terry Schulz]

We're getting some early reactions from Danish and Greenlandic leaders now, and their comments are reinforcing the fact that the details of this deal, as we discussed, are very slim. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen has issued a statement now underscoring that things like security, investment and economy can be discussed politically, but not sovereignty, that, quote, only Denmark and Greenland can make decisions on issues relating to Denmark and Greenland. So it's quite interesting that these talks in Davos were not led by Danes and Greenlanders, but by the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rute. Rutte is known for his constant flattery of Trump, and the two get along well, but a Greenlandic member of Parliament has already written on social media that, quote, NATO in no way has a mandate to negotiate without Greenland.

[Layla Fadel]

That's Terry Schultz reporting in Brussels. Thank you, Terry.

[Terry Schulz]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

As the drama over Greenland plays out, this much is clear. President Trump has greatly antagonized US Allies in Europe and beyond.

[Ian Martinez]

That became most clear in Trump's and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney's remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

[Layla Fadel]

For more, we're joined by NPR national security correspondent Greg Myhre. Hey, Greg.

[Greg Myhre]

Hi, Layla.

[Layla Fadel]

Okay, so let's get right to it. Just break down how this spat between Trump and Canada's leader Mark Carney came to be.

[Greg Myhre]

Yeah, Carney spoke Tuesday, the day before Trump and his remarks went viral, as this usually low key politician 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.

[Ian Martinez]

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.

[Greg Myhre]

And so Carney didn't mention Trump by name, but the implication was clear. And we should note Carney visited China last week and signed an agreement for his country to buy electric vehicles from China. To drive home that point, Carney said China is now a more reliable partner than the US and how did Trump.

[Layla Fadel]

Respond to the Canadian leaders?

[Greg Myhre]

Well, Trump did mention Carney by name and he actually took a swipe at him and all of Canada in his speech on Wednesday.

[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.

[Greg Myhre]

So over the past year, Trump has threatened tariffs on Canada, imposed tariffs on Canada, paused tariffs on Canada. So we've seen lots of tension over. And of course, Canada is close to Greenland and it's a key player in any discussion on Arctic security. Just hard to recall any time when we've seen this level of friction between the leaders of the US And Canada.

[Layla Fadel]

Now, Trump singled out Canada, but didn't he also have some harsh words for Europe and NATO?

[Greg Myhre]

Yes, absolutely. Trump insulted Europe as weak and in decline. And he also repeated a statement he often makes about NATO that just doesn't hold up to scrutiny.

[President Donald Trump]

The United States is treated very unfairly by NATO. I want to tell you that. And when you think about it, nobody can dispute it we give so much and we get so little in return.

[Greg Myhre]

Now, of course, back in 2001, after the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks in the U.S. nATO countries rushed to join the U.S. in the war in Afghanistan. This was the first and only time that NATO's Article 5 was triggered. The section saying an attack on one is an attack on all. And Overall, more than 1,000 NATO troops from other countries, Europe and Canada, were killed in that war.

[Layla Fadel]

Now, Trump did alienate allies in his first term as well. Right, Greg? So can we point to something that's really different in this term?

[President Donald Trump]

Yeah.

[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 ATT and perhaps even some sort of a deal, though. We're still waiting for the details.

[Layla Fadel]

That's NPR's Greg Myhre. Thank you, Greg.

[Greg Myhre]

Sure thing, Layla.

[Layla Fadel]

President Trump is meeting some resistance in his attempt to fire a member of the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.

[Ian Martinez]

The Supreme Court heard arguments in a case about Fed Governor Lisa Cook on Wednesday and had tough questions for the president's lawyer. Trump has been critical of the Fed for not lowering interest rates more aggressively.

[President Donald Trump]

We should be paying a much lower interest rate than we are. We should be paying the lowest interest rate of any country in the world because without the United States, you don't have a country.

[Ian Martinez]

Politicians often want lower interest rates to boost the economy before the next election, but Trump has gone to extraordinary lengths to push the central bank in that direction.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Scott Horsley joins us now to discuss. Hey, Scott.

[Scott Horsley]

Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

Good morning. So the Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday over Trump's attempt to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook. How did it go?

[Scott Horsley]

This Supreme Court has generally given Trump a lot of latitude to fire officials from other independent agencies like the Federal Trade Commission. But justices have signaled the Federal Reserve is a special case. And Lisa Cook's lawyer, Paul Clement really stressed that during oral arguments yesterday. He said Congress deliberately set up the Fed to be insulated from political pressure. And Clement said for more than a century, other presidents have generally respected those boundaries.

[Ian Martinez]

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.

[Scott Horsley]

The whole idea is the Fed sometimes has to make decisions that are unpopular in the short run, like keeping interest rates high to fight inflation in order to achieve the best economic outcome in.

[Layla Fadel]

The long run are interest rates the reason Trump wants to fire Cook, not the stated reason?

[Scott Horsley]

Trump and his allies have accused Cook of making false statements on mortgage applications, although she denies any wrongdoing. Justices seem skeptical that Cook could be dismissed over that without having any opportunity to make her own case. Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested if the bar for firing a Fed governor were set that low, it would weaken or shatter the central bank's independence.

[Ian Martinez]

If this were set as a precedent, it seems to me what goes around comes around. All the current president's appointees would likely be removed for cause on January 20, 2029. If there's a Democratic president or January 20, 2033, then where are we?

[Scott Horsley]

So far, courts have allowed Cook to keep her job at the Fed while this case plays out.

[Layla Fadel]

The Fed has been cutting interest rates, but not as quickly as the president would like. Where does the central bank go from here?

[Scott Horsley]

Most forecasters think the Fed's going to hold interest rates steady when policymakers meet next week. They have cut rates three times since last September out of concern over the softening job market. But you know, inflation is still higher than the Fed would like, and policymakers have signaled they're going to be cautious about additional rate cuts going forward. Now Trump has not only tried to fire Cook, he's threatened to fire the Fed Chairman Jerome Powell and the Justice Department even launched an investigation of the central bank. But all that pressure could be backfiring. Powell, who attended yesterday's Supreme Court hearing, said in a video statement this month he and his colleagues will not be bullied.

[Ian Martinez]

This is about whether the Fed will.

[Greg Myhre]

Be able to continue to set interest.

[Ian Martinez]

Rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.

[Scott Horsley]

Now, Powell's term as Fed chairman ends in May, but he has the option to keep his seat on the Fed's governing board for another couple of years. He hasn't said whether he'll do so, but if he did, that would deny Trump the opportunity to appoint another, more compliant Fed governor.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Scott Horsley. Thank you, Scott.

[Scott Horsley]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

The voices on NPR today include longtime Democratic insider Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel has held many political jobs, serving as a member of Congress, President Obama's chief of staff, mayor of Chicago, and most recently ambassador to Japan as he.

[Ian Martinez]

Considers a run for president in 2028. He sat for a video interview with our co host Steve, and he talked of corporate America enabling the Trump admin administration.

[Rahm Emanuel]

I think corporate America, they've sold out America and what I mean by that is 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. Everything you have is built on the premise of the rule of law. Number two, the president's declared war on the greatest research system in the world it's ever seen. And you are your company is a direct beneficiary of that. And you're like the three monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil. You are timid souls.

[Ian Martinez]

Is there something having to do with corporate America where Democrats something about your approach to social issues or taxes or business or regulation drove corporate America?

[Rahm Emanuel]

I'm saying this shorthand, but 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.

[Layla Fadel]

You can hear Steve's full interview with Rahm Emanuel on a bonus episode of up first later today. And you can watch the full video interview on the NPR app. And that's up first for Thursday, January 22nd. I'm Layla Faulded.

[Ian Martinez]

And I'm Amy Martinez. You can listen to this podcast sponsor free While financially supporting public media with upverse plus, your subscription will help keep the NPR network strong and support local public radio stations through a recurring monthly donation. Learn more at plus.NPR.org that's P L U S.NPR.org Today's episode of Up first.

[Layla Fadel]

Was edited by Miguel Macias, Andrew Sussman, Rafael Naam, Mohammed Albradisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. Our technical director is is Carly Strange, and our deputy executive producer is Kelly Dickens. Join us again tomorrow.

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