Trump’s aircraft forced to return after technical glitch

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s aircraft was forced to turn back shortly after departure on Tuesday after crew members detected a minor electrical fault, the White House said. According to officials, the plane had taken off from the United States en route to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum (WEF) when the issue was identified. As a precaution, the aircraft returned to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president would continue his trip aboard a different aircraft, adding that the issue posed no immediate danger.

No further details were provided, and the White House said the travel schedule would proceed as planned once the aircraft change was completed.

Trump jokes about Davos welcome as European leaders voice unease

US President Donald Trump struck a joking tone ahead of his visit to the WEF, telling reporters on Tuesday that he expected a warm reception in Switzerland. Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump quipped that he was heading to “a beautiful place” where he was “sure” he would be welcomed enthusiastically.

Tariff threats cast a shadow

Despite the humour, tensions between Washington and several European capitals remain high. Trump’s recent warning that additional tariffs could be imposed on European countries opposing US efforts related to Greenland has unsettled leaders attending the forum, which opened on Monday. The remarks have added to concerns over a deepening rift in transatlantic relations.

Belgium PM delivers sharp rebuke

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever offered some of the strongest criticism, warning that Europe’s dignity was at stake. He said multiple red lines were being crossed, arguing that submission in the face of pressure would amount to a loss of self-respect. De Wever likened the situation to a form of modern subjugation, saying Europe must choose between standing firm or accepting an unacceptable status.

Macron criticises US trade approach

French President Emmanuel Macron also weighed in, taking aim at what he described as US trade practices that threaten European export interests. While Trump has previously said he shares a good rapport with Macron, the French leader criticised policies that, in his view, demand excessive concessions, weaken Europe economically and use tariffs as leverage against territorial sovereignty.

Calls for reduced dependence on Washington

Macron joined other leaders in advocating for stronger alliances that would lessen Europe’s reliance on the United States. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed similar concerns, pointing to what he described as the erosion of a long-standing rules-based international system.

Von der Leyen likens moment to ‘Nixon shock’

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen compared the current geopolitical shift to the 1971 “Nixon shock,” when the United States abandoned the gold standard. She noted that while the move initially disrupted markets, it eventually paved the way for a more globalised order.

Calling the present moment both challenging and necessary, von der Leyen said Europe now had an opportunity to reshape itself and emerge stronger in response to the changing global landscape.