A California governor’s sharp criticism of European leaders for their weak response to Donald Trump’s threats has sparked renewed debate about how the EU should confront American pressure. The Democrat called global leaders pathetic for failing to show backbone against Trump’s demands regarding Greenland and tariffs, a view that resonates with Danish EU parliamentarian Morten Løkkegaard.
California Democrat Challenges European Leaders
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, delivered a stinging rebuke of European leadership yesterday at the World Economic Forum in Davos. His target was the lack of meaningful response from European leaders to President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on Greenland and trade tariffs.
Newsom’s frustration was evident when he addressed journalists at the forum. He expressed disgust at what he sees as European complicity through silence. According to Newsom, he should have brought knee pads for all the world leaders because of how quickly they’re lying down before Trump.
The California governor described the situation as pathetic, adding that he hopes people understand how weak these leaders appear on the global stage. His comments referenced the irony of European leaders receiving awards and Nobel Prizes while failing to stand up for basic principles.
Danish Politician Agrees With American Assessment
Morten Løkkegaard, who has represented the Liberal Party in the European Parliament since 2009, says Newsom’s analysis is accurate. Speaking on P1 Morgen, Løkkegaard praised the American governor’s honesty as refreshing. He noted that Newsom represents the kind of directness that many observers of the United States had hoped to see more of.
The Danish parliamentarian believes Newsom understood the nature of the challenge much earlier than most European politicians. For European leaders, Trump’s style and approach remain deeply unfamiliar territory.
A Strategy of Soft Words and Hard Power
Løkkegaard invoked Theodore Roosevelt’s famous advice about speaking softly while carrying a big stick. That philosophy, he argues, should guide European strategy now. Leaders need to maintain diplomatic language while keeping significant leverage ready to deploy.
According to Løkkegaard, Europeans have spent the past year trying overly friendly tactics with Trump because they quickly realized he enjoys flattery. While the president clearly appreciates that approach, it’s not enough on its own.
The key, Løkkegaard insists, is ensuring Trump constantly feels the presence of that metaphorical stick. Real power needs to back up diplomatic niceties.
EU’s Economic Bazooka Awaits Deployment
The stick Løkkegaard references is the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, colloquially known in Brussels as the bazooka. This powerful economic tool gives European leaders several options for responding to American pressure.
What the Bazooka Can Do
The instrument allows the EU to exclude American companies from public procurement contracts across member states. This would directly impact major corporations like Microsoft, General Electric, and pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, all of which regularly compete for European government contracts.
Beyond procurement, the EU can deny American firms the right to invest in member countries. It can also refuse to recognize American patents in Europe, a move that would significantly harm many U.S. businesses.
Perhaps most dramatically, the EU can impose export restrictions or outright bans on goods that American companies need from Europe. This could affect everything from pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to specialized machinery and chemicals that U.S. industries depend on.
France Signals Willingness to Act
Several European politicians have begun discussing the possibility of using these economic weapons. French President Emmanuel Macron sent a clear message from the Davos stage yesterday, declaring that Europe should not hesitate to use available tools in these harsh times.
Macron emphasized that Europe prefers respect over bullying, signaling a potentially more confrontational approach than Europe has taken previously. Interestingly, the French president wore sunglasses during his speech due to a red and swollen eye, according to French media reports.
Reading Trump Like a T-Rex
Newsom offered a colorful metaphor for understanding Trump’s behavior. The president, he suggested, operates like a Tyrannosaurus rex. In Newsom’s view, Trump only respects strength, which makes it essential for European leaders to show spine.
The dinosaur comparison went further. According to Newsom, when dealing with Trump, you either mate with him or he eats you. Standing up to this approach is non-negotiable, the governor argued.
Hope for a Third Way
Despite the stark choices Newsom outlined, Løkkegaard believes Europeans might find a middle path. He doesn’t want to see Europe either devoured or forced into uncomfortable compromises.
The Danish politician maintains hope for a negotiated solution, noting that such outcomes have happened before with Trump. Meanwhile, he hasn’t ruled out deploying the EU’s economic bazooka, but considers it premature to make that decision now.
Much depends on what happens next. Løkkegaard specifically mentioned Trump’s upcoming speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which could provide crucial indicators about the president’s intentions and flexibility.
The European response will also depend on subsequent meetings and diplomatic exchanges. As Løkkegaard put it, Europe is in the middle of this process, waiting for more information before deciding on its final strategy.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Why Trump Wants Greenland: The Danish Perspective
The Danish Dream: Banking in Denmark for Foreigners (Updated 2025)
DR: Amerikansk guvernør kalder verdens ledere ynkelige – det giver dansk politiker ham ret i
