On today's podcast:
1) President Trump expressed confidence that the European Union would continue to invest in the US even if he imposed new tariffs related to his quest to take control of Greenland, a proposal that has angered leaders on the continent. The president’s rare appearance in the White House briefing room came ahead of his departure Tuesday night from Washington for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he will confront European leaders who are furious over his bid to take over the territory of a fellow NATO ally, Denmark. Earlier Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Trump’s threats were a “mistake” that would violate the deal he forged last year with the bloc. Officials in Europe have begun drafting plans to retaliate, which could set off a tit-for-tat that may scuttle the accord.
2) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned European nations against ramping up their military presence on Greenland and assailed France over calls to conduct a NATO exercise as European leaders brace for President Trump’s arrival at Davos. Bessent questioned the message European allies were sending following the recent decision by Denmark and seven other NATO countries to deploy a handful of officers to the island, which Trump has said he wants to make a part of the US.
3) Months after President Trump attempted to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven mortgage fraud allegations, the case will get a hearing before the Supreme Court. The justices are scheduled to consider whether Trump can oust Cook while the legal fight over the allegations proceeds. The case is one element in an effort by Trump to exert more control over the Fed and pressure officials to significantly cut interest rates. Trump has repeatedly attacked Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who has resisted the president’s demands to resign.