UK Member of Parliament Ed Davey launched a scathing attack on US President Donald Trump, accusing him of behaving like an “international gangster” who believes he can seize what he wants through force and intimidation.
Speaking in the UK Parliament while addressing Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Davey branded Trump a “bully” and urged Britain to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its European allies to push back against what he described as unprovoked aggression.
“President Trump is acting like an international gangster, threatening to trample over the sovereignty of an ally, threatening the end of NATO altogether, and now threatening to hit our country and seven European allies with outrageous, damaging tariffs unless he gets his hands on Greenland,” Davey said.
‘A Grave Moment for the World’
Davey warned that the current situation marks a critical moment for the UK, Europe and global stability, accusing Trump of launching attacks on economies, livelihoods and national security without justification.
He described Trump’s actions as reckless and destabilising, saying they pose a direct threat to long-standing alliances and the rules-based international order.
‘Most Corrupt US President’, Says Davey
Escalating his criticism, Davey labelled Trump the “most corrupt president the United States has ever seen”, before sarcastically outlining what he said were the only two ways to deal with him.
According to Davey, nations could either flatter Trump with gifts and money—such as offering him a luxury jet or depositing billions into his cryptocurrency accounts—or stand up to him collectively.
Tariff Threats Linked to Greenland Dispute
Davey’s remarks come amid rising tensions after Trump threatened trade tariffs against countries opposing his ambitions regarding Greenland.
Following pushback from European capitals, Trump announced on Saturday that the US would impose 10 per cent tariffs on eight countries, including Denmark, France, Germany and Britain, starting February 1. He warned the levies could rise to 25 per cent from June 1 if no agreement is reached.
Europe Pushes Back
European leaders swiftly condemned the proposed tariffs. Addressing the World Economic Forum in Davos, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the move a “mistake,” especially between long-standing allies.
“Plunging us into a downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of the strategic landscape,” she said, adding that Europe’s response would be “unflinching, united and proportional.”
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that any EU retaliation would be “unwise.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also rejected Trump’s approach, saying France prefers “respect to bullies” and would not accept what he called “unacceptable” tariffs.
Trump Defends Greenland Stance
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is strategically vital, claiming the US must protect the mineral-rich region from Russian and Chinese influence. He has said acquiring Greenland is necessary for American national security, a position that has drawn widespread criticism across Europe.