Germany Grapples with Transatlantic Rift Amid Greenland Crisis and Trump's Policies

One year into Donald Trump's presidency continuation in 2026, Germany's political landscape confronts mounting tensions both domestically and in foreign relations, underscored by frictions surrounding US policy and the Greenland crisis. At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 20, 2026, discussions were notably overshadowed by the Greenland crisis, with US President Trump centrally involved, highlighting the growing international unease regarding US actions and their global ramifications.

Within Germany, political leaders express profound concern about the state of transatlantic relations. Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier characterizes the world as "dark and dangerous" under Trump’s leadership, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent a descent into chaos. Omid Nouripour, Vice President of the Bundestag, warns that under Trump's unpredictable presidency, "the unimaginable can happen," likening the situation to living "on a different planet."

Germany's prior underestimation of Trump's disruptive nature is acknowledged by politicians such as Adis Ahmetovic, who admits to earlier miscalculations in attempts to appease the US administration. The "America First" policy has induced significant strain, evidenced by increased tariffs and a fracturing of traditional alliances. Angela Merkel critiques Trump’s zero-sum approach, where "there are always losers." This perspective has propelled German leaders, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, to reassess their foreign policy stance, recognizing that the US can no longer be viewed as a reliable partner but rather a competitor.

Vice Chancellor Klingbeil asserts that Europe will resist coercion by US policies, signaling Germany's intent to pursue an independent course amidst these transatlantic challenges. The Greenland crisis serves as a catalyst for these deepening tensions, as global leaders at Davos grapple with the stakes of US decisions under Trump’s administration.

The dual pressures of a geopolitically fraught Greenland situation and fundamental shifts in US-German relations mark a pivotal moment, compelling Germany to navigate a more uncertain and competitive international environment.