UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has sharply criticised US President Donald Trump, calling him an “international gangster” and a “bully” over his Greenland tariff threats, warning that the historic US-UK relationship is now at risk.
In a blistering critique of American foreign policy, UK Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey labelled US President Donald Trump an “international gangster,” a “bully,” and “the most corrupt president the United States has ever seen” during a speech in the House of Commons.
Davey’s comments came in response to Trump’s recent threats of trade tariffs against the United Kingdom and other European allies over their opposition to his plan to “buy” or annex Greenland from Denmark.
Special relationship under strain
Describing the current diplomatic climate as “an incredibly grave moment,” Davey warned that the historic “special relationship” between the UK and the US — once celebrated at Windsor Castle — is now “nearly in tatters.”
Trump is acting like an international gangster.
The Prime Minister has tried appeasing him for 12 months and has failed. It’s time we finally stood up to him and united with our European allies to make him back down. pic.twitter.com/9T4y5uQhhm
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) January 19, 2026
“President Trump is acting like an international gangster,” Davey said, accusing him of threatening the sovereignty of allies and even “the end of NATO altogether.” He added that Trump behaves like a bully who “thinks he can grab whatever he wants using force if necessary,” arguing that such discord primarily benefits Russia and China. “The only people cheering him on are Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping,” he said.
Criticism of UK governments
Davey also took aim at previous UK administrations, accusing them of “appeasing Trump, flattering him, fawning over him.” He said the country now faces a choice: “stand up to him” or risk resorting to bribery via “a few billion in his crypto account.”
Tariffs and tensions over Greenland
The tensions escalated after Trump announced 10–25 percent import tariffs on goods from eight European nations, including the UK, in retaliation against countries supporting Denmark’s refusal to negotiate Greenland’s sale. Trump insists the US “needs” Greenland for strategic security against potential threats from China and Russia.
Further inflaming relations, Trump shared doctored images on social media depicting the US flag planted on Greenland and maps showing both Greenland and Canada as part of the United States.
Clash with France
Trump also clashed with French President Emmanuel Macron over US expansionist policies, Gaza, and his so-called “Board of Peace” initiative, even threatening 200 percent tariffs on French wine and champagne to force Macron’s compliance.
The row deepened when Trump published a private message from Macron expressing confusion over US actions regarding Greenland. French minister Annie Genevard denounced the tactics as “brutal” and a “tool for blackmail,” warning that Europe cannot allow such escalation.
Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged global partners to “take a deep breath,” insisting that relations have “never been closer.”
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