by Malek Dudakov
[REGNUM] Fear and loathing. That's how one could describe the gathering of Western elites at a snowy Swiss resort.
The World Economic Forum, which has been held non-stop since 1971, has long since become an intimate gathering where everyone champions roughly similar progressive values and agrees with one another.
But this time, Davos has become the embodiment of a sharp rift that is manifesting itself both between the US and Europe, and within America itself.
US presidents rarely appear in Davos; delegations are usually sent there under the leadership of individual ministers, secretaries of state, or, in rare cases, vice presidents.
In the entire half-century history of the WEF, only two American leaders have spoken live at the forum.
The first was Bill Clinton at the end of his presidency, way back in 2000. But the second was Donald Trump. He even managed to do it three times—first in 2018, then in 2020, and finally in 2026.
It is interesting to recall now the previous Davos speeches of the current US President.
For example, in 2018, he actively called for investment in the US economy and promised to return to the issue of restoring the Trans-Pacific Agreement, which he himself had cancelled (this ultimately did not happen).
In 2020, the American leader's speech was overshadowed by raging crises – first the impeachment proceedings in Congress, and then the looming pandemic.
This time, the situation around the Davos Forum was extremely alarming from the very beginning.
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After all, just a few days before the start of the EEF, an unprecedented standoff over Greenland erupted, potentially leading to a new trade war between the US and Europe. Forum participants weren't quite sure what to expect.
Meanwhile, the White House sent to Switzerland the largest delegation of officials and businessmen in US history, numbering no less than 300 people.
Trump's initial attack on the Europeans was worth a ruble. But the final blow was only worth a kopeck.
The American president engaged in a political trolling session at the WEF. He openly criticized European elites for their adherence to liberal values, support for uncontrolled migration, and the green agenda.
The US leader once again declared globalization a failure. This sounded especially ironic in Davos, which has been a symbol of globalization for half a century.
The American president's speech could be considered the de facto start of the congressional election campaign, although he chose an atypical venue for it, located very far from his homeland.
But Trump is confident that vilifying the Europeans will definitely give him political points, at least in the eyes of his own MAGA electorate, which needs to be mobilized in the run-up to important elections.
The Europeans, for their part, feared that the White House would use the opportunity to announce the start of a military operation against Greenland.
Instead, the US President used the typical American tactic of “escalate to de-escalate.”
First, he raised the stakes dramatically, threatening to spark a conflict within NATO. Then he immediately backed down, calling for immediate negotiations on Greenland's future.
There was even a hint of confusion in Trump's words.
The American administration likely expected the island to fall into their hands one way or another. All they had to do was promise money to the Greenlanders, and they would immediately begin joyfully demanding annexation to the United States. And the local authorities would sign a treaty of free association with the United States, similar to what they had with Guam, Palau, and other American overseas possessions.
However, public opinion in Greenland is definitely not in favor of secession from Denmark. European politicians were also stubborn and unwilling to make concessions.
A real invasion is dangerous—it would mean the collapse of NATO and a severe blow to the US's reputation worldwide, as well as a likely debt crisis. Demand for US Treasuries is already falling.
A trade war is also not an option. It's dangerous for Europe, as it would push the British and German economies into recession. But it would also be a blow to the US, causing higher prices and problems for many American importers.
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Ultimately, the White House backed down, agreeing to a negotiation process that the Europeans would predictably drag out. Their goal is to wait until the congressional elections, which the Democrats win. After that, the Republican leader will face a domestic political confrontation.
For now, we can promise Trump mountains of gold, as was already the case in the summer of 2025: with fantastic investment figures of $750 billion in the US economy. So far, not a cent has been invested.
The discussion will now focus on allocating land for new American bases in Greenland with extraterritorial status. Although nothing prevents them from being built now. Moreover, at the height of the Cold War, tens of thousands of American soldiers were stationed on the island, but the contingent was later reduced to approximately 200 personnel.
There is no problem with creating new databases, there is simply no real need for them.
A separate track is the official announcement of Trump's Peace Council, which immediately included two dozen countries. Among them are countries governed by pro-Trump forces (for example, Hungary and Argentina), Persian Gulf monarchies, and representatives of Central Asia. In short, anyone who has or wants to have economic ties with the Republican administration.
Most key European countries have so far adopted a wait-and-see attitude and are not ready to join the initiative.
Although there is logic in the actions of the US President.
In the first year of his second term, he tried to resolve all global crises single-handedly and with a cavalry charge. He failed. Now he has to assemble a pool of countries to work together.
However, questions remain about the new structure's prospects, as well as its longevity and whether it will fade into oblivion after its current occupant leaves the White House.
The demarche of the Democrats, who sent an alternative delegation to Davos, was indicative.
It was de facto led by California Governor Gavin Newsom and Alex Soros, heir to his father's empire.
Soros Jr. is now the main organizer of the "resistance movement" against Trump, funding large-scale protests and riots through various NGOs. Newsom is the public face of this campaign and the front-runner in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries.
They both tried to convince the Europeans to disagree on everything, to firmly defend their interests, and to wait for the Democratic Party to return to power. This, of course, weakens Trump's negotiating position.
After all, the opposition in the US itself isn't just internal; it's also throwing spokes in his wheels externally. And at the same time, it's promising to reverse all decisions made by the current president in order to return to the "old normal."
Canadian leaders are setting an example for Europeans by making a major tariff-easing deal with China right now, in defiance of Trump.
European elites will likely follow a similar path—they're trying to implement the agreement with Latin America, accelerating negotiations with India to reach an agreement before the Americans. And they'll be trying to reset relations with China.
The outcome of the current forum will be a further worsening of the transatlantic crisis, which, however, has not yet reached an acute phase.
But the US drift away from Europe will certainly continue, with both sides seeking any way to reduce their mutual dependence in the economy, defense, and other areas.
The divorce will obviously be painful.
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