France has requested a NATO military exercise in Greenland, to which it is willing to contribute, after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to annex the Arctic island for its strategic value in the global defense context.
During his trip to the Davos Forum, President Trump experienced a mishap. Trump had to change planes after a "minor" electrical issue forced Air Force One to return to Joint Base Andrews to take off again about two and a half hours after the initial departure.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had informed about the unexpected return of Air Force One, and AFP journalists accompanying Trump reported that the cabin lights briefly went out after takeoff without any explanation provided.
In Davos, the Republican magnate will meet with European leaders amid tensions over his attempt to take over Greenland. Before boarding the plane, Trump briefly told the press, "This will be a very interesting trip, I don't know what might happen."
France calls for a NATO military exercise in Greenland
France has requested a NATO military exercise in Greenland, to which it is willing to contribute, after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his desire to annex the Arctic island for its strategic value in the global defense context.
"France calls for a NATO exercise in Greenland and is willing to contribute," sources from the Elysee Palace stated on Wednesday.
Eight European countries, including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, sent small military contingents to Greenland last week for an exercise led by the European Union and organized with NATO allies, but without NATO command and without the United States.
Trump will arrive three hours late to Davos
U.S. President Donald Trump will arrive in Davos about three hours late on Wednesday after an electrical issue on Air Force One forced him to change planes. "I think President Trump will arrive about three hours late. I haven't seen the updated schedule," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters.
Trump was on his way to deliver a speech at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss town. His Wednesday address in Davos is expected to focus on domestic economic issues, such as the cost of living or access to housing, amid criticism from part of his electorate for prioritizing international agenda during his first year, with conflicts like those in Gaza or Ukraine.
Before boarding the plane, Trump briefly told the press, "This will be a very interesting trip, I don't know what might happen."
A breakdown on Air Force One
Donald Trump is traveling to Davos, Switzerland, after the plane he was on, Air Force One, experienced a breakdown and was forced to land. A "minor electrical issue" prompted Air Force One to turn around and return to Maryland less than an hour after takeoff on Tuesday night, as it was heading to the World Economic Forum, according to White House officials.
The U.S. President departed again for Switzerland on a new plane approximately an hour later, local media reported.
According to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt, the Air Force One crew detected the minor issue only 45 minutes into the flight, prompting a return to Joint Base Andrews in Washington.
At the base, the President changed planes to resume his journey to Switzerland. According to journalists on board the plane, the cabin lights briefly went out after takeoff, but no explanation was provided.