Swiss protesters have set American flags ablaze in Zurich's streets, delivering an unambiguous message to US President Donald Trump ahead of his arrival at the World Economic Forum in Davos: "You are not welcome." The dramatic demonstrations come amid escalating European anger over Trump's persistent threats to acquire Greenland from Denmark, creating a tense backdrop for this year's high-profile summit.
Violent Clashes and Symbolic Protests
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Zurich overnight, brandishing signs with messages like "Put the Trumpster in the dumpster" as they voiced opposition to the American leader's policies and presence. The protest turned violent as participants smashed windows and damaged properties, leading to confrontations with police in riot gear who deployed water cannon, chemical irritants, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd after reportedly being pelted with stones and fireworks.
Social media images circulated showing masked individuals burning the Stars and Stripes, while the Swiss NGO Campax projected a cartoon image of Trump onto a ski slope with the caption "Spirit of plutocracy" as part of their protest against his attendance. Despite the intensity of the clashes, local authorities confirmed no injuries were reported from the Zurich demonstration that was eventually broken up shortly after 9:30pm.
Greenland Takeover Threats Fuel Continental Anger
The protests reflect growing European dismay over Trump's territorial ambitions, with the president asserting the United States needs Greenland for security reasons and refusing to rule out military action to acquire the autonomous Danish territory. On Tuesday morning, as the Davos summit commenced, Trump doubled down on his position, declaring on social media: "There can be no going back."
His administration has threatened to impose tariffs on countries trading with Greenland, prompting European officials to prepare retaliatory tariffs estimated at €93 billion. This trade dispute is expected to dominate discussions at the World Economic Forum, where over 3,000 participants including CEOs and at least 60 world leaders are gathering in the Swiss Alpine town.
Widespread Demonstrations Across Europe
The backlash extends far beyond Switzerland, with Greenland itself witnessing unprecedented protests. Approximately 5,000 people—representing 25 percent of the capital Nuuk's population—attended demonstrations that included territory's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, marking the largest protest in Greenland's history.
Similar gatherings have occurred across Denmark, with several thousand protesters assembling in cities including Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense to voice opposition to Trump's Greenland ambitions. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her Davos speech to criticise Trump's tariff threats while emphasising the continent's capabilities to police Arctic regions.
International Criticism and Diplomatic Tensions
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential presidential hopeful who arrived in Davos, delivered scathing criticism of world leaders' response to Trump, calling them "pathetic" for failing to challenge his rhetoric. "I can't take this complicity of people rolling over," Newsom told Sky News. "I should have brought a bunch of knee pads for all the world leaders. I mean handing out crowns, the Nobel prizes that are being given away. It's just pathetic."
Likening Trump to a Tyrannosaurus rex, Newsom added: "You mate with him or he devours you, one or the other, and you need to stand up to it. They need to stand tall, stand firm, stand united." The comments came as Trump claimed he "doesn't care" about the Nobel Prize after attacking Norway for not awarding him one.
While trade tensions are expected to dominate Davos discussions, Ukrainian officials confirmed negotiations on a peace deal with Russia will continue alongside the conference, adding another layer of complexity to the international gathering that finds itself overshadowed by protests and geopolitical disputes.
