Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling the speech “dangerous, disrespectful and unhinged,” and warning that such rhetoric undermines U.S. alliances and international legal norms.
Speaking to CBS News correspondent Ed O’Keefe following Trump’s address on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Beshear said the president spent more than an hour disparaging key U.S. allies, including members of the NATO alliance, and engaging in conduct he described as unbecoming of the leader of the world’s largest democracy.
“The president’s speech was dangerous, disrespectful and unhinged,” Beshear said, alleging that Trump mocked allied leaders, used “fake voices” in recounting private conversations, and publicly insulted countries that have long been strategic partners of the United States.
From a legal and diplomatic perspective, Beshear warned that Trump’s rhetoric risks weakening commitments central to international security frameworks, particularly NATO.
“We are less safe when people believe that the United States isn’t committed to the NATO alliance,” he said, adding that pushing Canada—one of America’s closest allies—away from Washington could have long-term geopolitical and trade consequences.
Beshear also highlighted confusion and concern surrounding Trump’s renewed comments about acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The governor noted that Trump repeatedly referred to Greenland as “Iceland” during the speech, raising questions about the seriousness and legal grounding of the proposal.
The idea of U.S. control over Greenland has drawn widespread criticism from European leaders, who argue it violates principles of sovereignty and international law. Beshear said he has spoken with leaders across Europe, including in Helsinki and Stockholm, who are “hurting” over what they perceive as a shift in America’s global posture.
“The United States has been the leader of the free world and now we’re acting like the bully on the playground,” Beshear said.
He stressed that power alone does not justify action, a principle embedded in international law and long-standing U.S. foreign policy doctrine.
Seeking to reassure European partners, Beshear emphasized that Trump does not represent the views of all Americans.
“America is more than just our president,” he said, adding that most Americans view Canada as a friend, reject the idea of acquiring Greenland, and understand that alliances with Europe have been central to global stability for decades.
The comments underscore growing domestic and international legal concerns about the implications of aggressive rhetoric on treaty obligations, alliance credibility, and respect for national sovereignty—issues likely to intensify as geopolitical tensions continue.
