US President Trump strains relations with UK and France ahead of Davos trip

US President Posts Social Media Messages Regarding Greenland Ahead of World Economic Forum

United States President Donald Trump has shared private text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO chief Mark Rutte on social media, discussing his stance on Greenland. The messages were posted ahead of Trump’s appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

According to reports, Trump accused the UK of “GREAT STUPIDITY” for ceding its last African colony, Chagos, to Mauritius. The decision followed a landmark decolonisation case at the International Court of Justice seven years ago. Under a bilateral deal signed in 2025, the UK retains control of the airbase on Diego Garcia atoll.

Trump also criticized Macron’s offer to set up a Group of Seven meeting in Paris to discuss disagreements over Greenland with participating countries. In a message confirmed by a source close to Macron, Trump stated that he was “completely aligned” with Macron on Syria but questioned his stance on Greenland.

Additionally, Trump threatened to impose 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne if Macron declines an invitation to join his “board of peace” initiative. A source close to Macron said the French president intended to decline the invitation.

The UK government has stated that it acted to protect its national security interests by retaining control of the airbase on Diego Garcia atoll. The bilateral treaty has yet to be ratified by the UK Parliament. Trump’s comments have been met with criticism from some Chagos islanders and their descendants, who oppose the transfer of their homeland to Mauritius.

Trump is set to visit the World Economic Forum on Wednesday as part of his efforts to pressure European countries over Greenland.

Source: Al Jazeera