Trump Boasts Europe Called Him “Daddy” as He Blasts NATO

At the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines not just for his comments about NATO and Greenland, but for an unusual claim about how European allies used to view him. Speaking to a packed audience of global political and business leaders on January 21, Trump said that before opposition grew over his Greenland ambitions, Europe and NATO had “loved me” and even called him “daddy.”

The comments came as Trump discussed his ongoing push for the United States to gain greater control or influence over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that has become a major geopolitical flashpoint — and as he criticised NATO allies for their response.

In the speech — which observers noted was rambling and at times self-serving — Trump said: “I’m helping Europe, I’m helping NATO, and until the last few days, when I told them about Greenland… they loved me. They called me ‘daddy’.”

Trump Confuses Greenland and Iceland

Trump’s remarks included several notable gaffes, including multiple confusions between Greenland and Iceland — two very different places. He referred to “Iceland” when discussing European reactions to his Greenland strategy at least four times during the address, prompting both humorous and critical reactions from international audiences.

The mix-ups occurred as Trump tried to frame his requests for control of Greenland — which he described as “a piece of ice, cold and poorly located that can play a vital role in world peace and protection” — as something allies should support, despite widespread rejection from European governments.

NATO and Greenland: A Growing Rift

Trump’s Davos speech wasn’t just about nostalgic name-calling. The U.S. president used the platform to renew pressure on European and NATO partners over Greenland, arguing the United States alone could secure the territory against Russian and Chinese influence — a view many European leaders strongly reject.

During his remarks, Trump said, “Denmark has a choice — say yes, and we will be very appreciative. Or say no, and we will remember” in reference to Greenland — a comment interpreted by many as a thinly veiled threat of diplomatic reprisal if Copenhagen refused to negotiate.

Trump also claimed, “It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land,” even as he insisted he would not use military force to acquire it — a line that appeared intended to calm fears of overt aggression but did little to reassure critics.

Global Reactions and European Pushback

European leaders reacted strongly to Trump’s rhetoric. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned Parliament that Britain “will not yield” on principle over Greenland and criticized the use of tariff threats and pressure tactics.

Moreover, reports noted that concerns over Trump’s approach — including the use of aggressive language and confusing references — have raised questions about the future of transatlantic cooperation within NATO. Many NATO officials fear Trump’s tactics could weaken trust among allies and strain a security structure that has existed for decades.

Trump’s missteps, including the repeated Greenland/Iceland confusion and disproportionate nostalgia about being called “daddy,” have been widely reported and discussed internationally as evidence of diplomatic tone troubles even amidst serious geopolitical issues.

What This Means for U.S.–Europe Relations

Trump’s Davos speech is part of a broader pattern — over recent weeks and months — of tension between Washington and key European partners over Arctic strategy, trade, defense commitments, and respect for sovereign decisions. His insistence on Greenland negotiations comes despite firm refusals from Denmark and Greenlandic authorities that the island is not for sale or U.S. territory.

Experts say such rhetoric — especially framed around dramatic metaphors and nostalgic references — has the potential to erode trust among NATO partners at a time when global security challenges are rising, and European leaders are increasingly wary of unilateral American pressure.

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