January 19, 2026
Denmark boycotts World Economic Forum as Trump announces European tariffs
Diplomatic boycott shows NATO ally refusing to legitimize territorial threats
🌍Foreign Policy📈Trade
The Danish government told the World Economic Forum on Jan. 20, 2026, it wouldn't attend that week. The forum confirmed: 'The Danish government will not be represented in Davos this week.' Trump had just announced 10% tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries, escalating to 25% by Jun. 1. Denmark faced the highest pressure because it's Greenland's sovereign power.
Trump explicitly linked the tariffs to Greenland. He wanted European countries to stop backing Denmark's sovereignty over the island. Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland also faced tariffs starting Feb. 1. The EU began preparing €93 billion ($108 billion) in counter-tariffs.
Ukrainian President 
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also canceled his Davos appearance on Jan. 20. Ukraine didn't explicitly connect it to Trump, but the timing was clear. Both Denmark and Ukraine face territorial threats from Trump—Denmark over Greenland, Ukraine through Trump's pressure to cede land to Russia. Both skipped the forum where Trump would dominate.
Davos brings together heads of state, CEOs, and policy leaders for networking and dealmaking. Denmark's government calculated that showing up while Trump threatened them with tariffs and territorial seizure would signal weakness. The boycott meant Danish businesses and officials missed key opportunities, but the government prioritized sovereignty over access.
Other European leaders attended despite Trump's threats. German Chancellor, French President 
Emmanuel Macron (though he refused Trump's 'Board of Peace'), and UK Prime Minister all showed up. Denmark stood alone in refusing to participate while under direct attack. This highlighted Denmark's unique position as the country Trump was actively threatening with both economic and territorial aggression.
Denmark is a founding NATO member. The alliance was created in 1949 with Denmark as one of 12 original signatories. Trump's willingness to use tariffs against a 75-year ally over territorial demands shows how he's fracturing alliance relationships. The boycott represents a complete breakdown in U.S.-Danish relations.
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament since 1979. Greenland's 56,000 people have repeatedly said they're not interested in joining the United States. Denmark controls Greenland's foreign affairs and defense, but Greenland controls most domestic matters including natural resources.
🌍Foreign Policy📈Trade
People, bills, and sources
Mette Frederiksen
Prime Minister of Denmark
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
President of Ukraine
Klaus Schwab
World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman
Ursula von der Leyen
President of the European Commission
Emmanuel Macron
President of France
What you can do
1
civic action
Support Denmark's resistance to Trump's Greenland threats
Contact the Danish Embassy to express solidarity with Denmark's refusal to negotiate Greenland's sovereignty under economic coercion.
Hi, I'm calling to express support for Denmark's decision to boycott Davos.
Key points:
- Denmark is right to refuse participation while Trump threatens tariffs and territorial seizure
- Greenland's sovereignty is not negotiable
- The U.S.-Denmark alliance should be based on mutual respect
Specific request: I support Denmark's position and urge continued resistance to Trump's Greenland threats.
Thank you.
2
civic action
Contact House Ways and Means Committee opposing tariffs on NATO allies
Trump threatened 10% tariffs on eight European NATO allies starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% by Jun. 1. The Ways and Means Committee has jurisdiction over all tariffs
Hi, I'm calling to urge the committee to reject tariffs on NATO allies.
Key points:
- Trump threatened tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Finland
- These are NATO allies and trade partners
- Tariffs will raise prices for American consumers and hurt our businesses
- Using trade policy to pressure allies over Greenland undermines U.S. credibility
Questions:
- Will the committee hold hearings on these tariff threats?
- What authority does Congress have to block tariffs used for non-economic purposes?
Request: I want Congress to reclaim its constitutional trade authority and reject tariffs that harm American consumers and allies.
Thank you.
3
civic action
Support Americans for Financial Reform on trade war economic impacts
AFR advocates for financial stability and investor protection. Trade wars create market volatility that harms retirement savings