Trump’s Turnabout on Greenland Shows the Limits of His Coercive Powers

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 8 min read 100% complete by David E. SangerJanuary 23, 2026 at 11:08 PM

AI Summary

long article 8 min

This news analysis discusses President Trump's recent attempt to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Trump employed a maximalist approach, demanding the territory for U.S. national security and hinting at consequences for refusal. This strategy, familiar from his real estate background, involved pressuring an ally and testing the boundaries of the Atlantic alliance. However, Trump ultimately backed down from his demands, revealing the limits of his coercive diplomacy. The article suggests this incident highlights the costs of Trump's approach, including strained relationships with allies and a potential undermining of his credibility. The events unfolded over several weeks, culminating in a reversal of his position.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Davos, Switzerland 30% Washington 30% New York 30% Afghanistan 40% David E. Sanger ×240% Denmark 50% United States 60% NATO 70% Greenland ×280% Donald J. Trump ×690%

Keywords

donald trump 100% greenland 90% coercive diplomacy 90% maximalist positions 80% american foreign policy 70% nato 60% international relations 60% credibility 50% tariffs 40%