WILMINGTON, NC — Elizabeth Graham, a bestselling author and expert on the Trump-Putin relationship, asserts that President Donald Trump's recent appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos has severely damaged transatlantic relations. In her Substack post titled 'Deception At Davos,' Graham details how Trump's misleading statements have left European leaders unsettled and concerned about the future of international alliances.
According to Graham, European leaders had attempted to engage Trump through various diplomatic gestures, including purchasing American goods and offering gifts. However, Trump's proposal regarding Greenland has strained relations to an unprecedented level. 'The statement "I will not use force to take Greenland" reassured many, but breaking that promise could shock them,' Graham wrote. She emphasized that for Trump, words are tools to con others, without any intention of honesty.
Graham draws parallels between Trump's approach to Venezuela and Greenland. She notes that Trump's claim of bombing boats to prevent drug trafficking was contradicted by a January 8, 2026, New York Times report stating that the primary mode of trafficking drugs from Venezuela to the U.S. is by air. Trump subsequently announced control over Venezuela's gas and oil industry. Similarly, Graham argues, Trump seeks to acquire Greenland for its untapped rare minerals, which are crucial for manufacturing magnets used in aircraft engines, electric cars, and defense technologies.
China's dominance in the rare earth magnet market, as noted by Wikipedia, has been reinforced by Trump's tariffs. 'Once Trump issued a 100% increase (tariff) on certain Chinese goods, they implemented rigorous export controls on rare earth elements and magnets,' Graham wrote. She adds that China's acquisition of rare metals from African nations has been hindered by Trump's closure of USAID, leading to a humanitarian crisis with a potential death toll of 14 million, as reported by NPR.
Graham warns that Europe must stand firm against Trump's attempts to gain ownership of Greenland, likening his territorial ambitions to those of Hitler and Stalin. 'Otherwise, it's uncertain which country he might target next or will he start World War III,' she cautioned. More of Graham's analysis is available on her Substack blog at egraham.substack.com.
