US President Donald Trump departed for Davos on Monday after Air Force One returned to Joint Base Andrews due to a minor electrical fault. He continued his journey aboard a backup aircraft to attend the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF).
Trump is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the WEF, marking his first appearance at the summit in six years. His visit comes amid escalating tensions with European leaders over his renewed push to assert US control over Greenland.
The White House confirmed the aircraft switch in a statement on X, citing an “abundance of caution” following a minor technical issue shortly after takeoff.
In Davos, Trump is expected to hold a series of meetings focused on Arctic strategy and trade, with Greenland featuring prominently. The territory, a semi-autonomous part of Denmark, has become a focal point in US-European relations following Trump’s remarks hinting at pressure tactics beyond tariffs.
French President Emmanuel Macron appeared to criticise the US stance, warning against a world “where international law is trampled underfoot.” Trump, in turn, launched an attack on France, threatening 200% tariffs on wine and champagne, and shared a private message from Macron regarding Greenland on his social media platform.
Tensions intensified after reports emerged that Trump had linked his threats to the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre that his failure to win the award contributed to his stance on Greenland.
On Saturday, 17 January, Trump announced tariffs on seven EU members and the UK, aiming to increase pressure on European allies over the territory. Despite threats of retaliation, most European nations have continued negotiations rather than risk direct confrontation.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is expected to hold bilateral talks with Trump during the summit.