Summary
Overview
This episode covers Donald Trump's chaotic Davos trip and his fabricated 'deal' over Greenland, ICE raids in Minneapolis raising constitutional concerns, Jack Smith's testimony defending his criminal investigations of Trump, and a new New York Times poll showing Trump's approval collapsing and Democrats leading the 2026 generic ballot by 5 points. The hosts also discuss how Trump's 2024 coalition has dissolved, with the economy as the primary driver of his declining support.
Trump's Imaginary Greenland Deal
Trump claimed victory in securing a 'framework deal' over Greenland at Davos, but the details reveal there is no actual deal. When pressed, Trump couldn't explain what the agreement entailed, saying only that it's an 'infinite' long-term arrangement. NATO's secretary general admitted the issue of U.S. ownership never came up in discussions, despite that being Trump's entire demand. The episode examines how Trump threatened tariffs, posted memes about owning Greenland, created market instability, and ultimately walked away with nothing while the media treated it as a negotiating success.
- Trump claimed an 'infinite' deal over Greenland but couldn't specify if the U.S. would actually acquire ownership
- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte revealed that U.S. ownership of Greenland 'did not come up' in discussions
- Trump had threatened tariffs on Denmark and European allies and suggested military invasion over Greenland
- New York Times reported potential details: more U.S. bases (already allowed), possible land control for bases, NATO troop presence, and mining restrictions—all things Denmark had been willing to do anyway
" It's really hard not to see this through the lens of the art of the deal. The president's doubters were once again proven wrong. Europe and America are going to be rich and safe. And Greenland gets McDonald's. Congratulations, Mr. President. "
" Does it still include the United States having ownership of Greenland like you've said you wanted? It's a long-term deal. It's the ultimate long-term deal. How long would the deal be, Mr. President? Infinite. There is no time limit. It's forever. "
" What is a negotiation that does not include the people who own Greenland? That's a question. How does that work? "
Media Coverage of Trump's Failures
The hosts criticize media outlets like Axios for declaring Trump the 'winner' of his Greenland climbdown despite achieving nothing he demanded. Axios listed Trump as the number one winner even though Denmark and Greenland got 100% of what they wanted. The broader Davos coverage was criticized as self-referential, with media insiders attending parties with advertisers and then declaring Davos itself a winner. The hosts argue Trump should be covered as a 'lunatic' threatening the world order rather than being taken seriously, especially given his incoherent explanations about bruises from taking too much aspirin.
- Axios declared Trump the first-place winner of his Greenland climbdown, saying he can 'tout the art of the deal to his base'
- Denmark and Greenland only ranked second on Axios's winners list despite getting everything they wanted
- Axios listed Davos itself as fifth-place winner, which hosts mocked as self-referential given media insiders attend Davos parties
- Trump claimed bruising on his hands comes from taking 'big aspirin' above what his doctor recommends, saying 'I'm not taking any chances'
" Even with concessions falling far short of total control, Trump can still tout the art of the deal to his base and retreat from an issue that polls even worse than his handling of the Epstein files. Well, isn't that comforting for Trump and the rest of us? What a big winner. "
" There is just something self-referentially gross about all the Davos coverage over the last week. All the media, all the insider newsletter types, Axios, Politico, Semaphore, they all go to Davos and they throw big parties and they hang out with their advertisers. And then they talk about how important Davos is. Davos is the winner of all of them. "
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