The recent TACO moment, as some are calling it, is a cause for concern rather than celebration. This is a critical juncture in the ongoing battle between European leaders and Donald Trump over Greenland, and it's time to delve deeper into the implications.
On January 22, 2026, European leaders might have felt a brief sense of relief as they considered their options for a TACO-themed celebration. With a dozen Mexican restaurants in Brussels, they could have toasted their success in the face of Trump's sudden retreat on tariffs. But here's where it gets controversial: this respite is only temporary, and the underlying issues remain unresolved.
Trump's decision to back down on tariffs, which he threatened to impose on eight nations unless they supported his claim to Greenland, fits a pattern. It's a classic case of the TACO theory in action: Trump Always Chickens Out. However, this doesn't mean the threat is over. Trump's rapid shifts from aggressive posturing to sudden retreats have become a hallmark of his presidency, leaving everyone guessing about his next move.
And this is the part most people miss: the White House had previously briefed the media on the possibility of military force being used to acquire Greenland. Trump's sudden change of heart on this front, too, raises questions about his commitment to a peaceful resolution.
Two retreats in one day might seem like a victory for NATO, but the reality is more complex. This conflict has already weakened the alliance, and Trump's pursuit of Greenland remains unwavering. His talk of a new "framework" is intentionally vague, allowing him to continue exerting pressure and strain on the military alliance at will.
This constant danger in relations with Trump, and potentially any future MAGA leader, is a concern for European leaders. They know that Trump respects hard power, and his ability to divide opponents by pitting them against each other is a tactic that has proven effective.
European Union leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have pushed back against Trump's aggressive tactics. Their unified front, along with support from Finnish President Alexander Stubb, has sent a powerful message. Macron, in particular, has led calls for a strong EU retaliation, known as the "trade bazooka," to punish US exporters.
The world is witnessing a daily experiment to determine the most effective approach to dealing with Trump. Will a softer, compromising approach work, as Britain and the EU attempted last year? Or is a harder, more assertive stance the key to success?
The outcome of this TACO moment, if we can even call it that, is clear: Trump believes in the rule of might. European leaders must play by his rules if they hope to survive his presidency. This was the message delivered by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in his address at Davos, a speech that offered an honest and lucid analysis of the state of global affairs.
Carney's words, "Middle powers must act together because if you are not at the table, you are on the menu," sum up the challenge facing smaller nations in a world where major powers act without the constraints of a rules-based order. He warned of a future where a world of fortresses will be poorer, more fragile, and less sustainable.
So, while this TACO moment may provide a momentary respite, it's important to remain vigilant. The battle for Greenland and the future of international relations is far from over. Stay informed and keep an eye on the ongoing developments in world politics.
