If you’re looking for a quiet Sunday at the White House, you won't find it today, January 18, 2026. President Donald Trump isn't exactly known for the "day of rest" vibe, and his current itinerary proves it. Between threatening the European Union with fresh tariffs over his Greenland ambitions and finalizing a massive delegation for the World Economic Forum, the man is busy.
Honestly, the pace is a bit dizzying. Just this morning, news broke that several more countries have been invited to join his "Board of Peace," a move that's basically a direct challenge to the United Nations' traditional role in the Middle East. If you've been following the Gaza situation, this is the big play.
Donald Trump’s Schedule Today: The Greenland Ultimatum
The biggest thing on the radar right now is the escalating tension over Greenland. Trump hasn't exactly been subtle about wanting the territory. Today, he’s doubling down on a Saturday threat to slap punitive tariffs on several European allies—specifically Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK.
Why? Because they aren't playing ball with his plan to "annex" or purchase the island.
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It’s a wild situation. NATO allies actually deployed troops in Greenland just this past Thursday to signal they aren't budging. Today, EU ambassadors are holding emergency meetings to figure out how to respond before Trump touches down in Europe later this week. Republican Senators like Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis are already in Denmark, trying to smooth things over, but Trump's social media posts today suggest he's not in a mood to compromise.
The Board of Peace Expansion
While the Greenland drama unfolds, the White House is also pushing the "Board of Peace" initiative. This is a new body meant to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and, potentially, other global conflicts.
Today’s big updates:
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- Hungary’s Viktor Orbán has officially accepted his invitation.
- India, Jordan, Greece, and Pakistan have all confirmed they’ve received invites to be founding members.
- Canada, Turkey, and Egypt were already on the list.
The administration is framing this as a "bold new approach," but it’s definitely rubbing some people the wrong way. Israel, for instance, raised objections just yesterday, saying the executive committee wasn't coordinated with them. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are the ones steering this ship behind the scenes today.
Davos is Looming
Looking at Donald Trump's schedule today, a lot of it is prep work for his trip to Davos, Switzerland. He’s leading the largest U.S. delegation in the history of the World Economic Forum. We’re talking a massive team including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
He’s not actually in Switzerland yet. He’s expected to depart soon, but for today, he’s likely operating out of the White House or Mar-a-Lago, working the phones with world leaders. He’s scheduled to give a major speech in Davos this Wednesday, and rumors are he’s going to focus heavily on housing market reforms and his "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency) initiatives.
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Recent Wins and Ongoing Friction
It hasn't all been international squabbles. Earlier this week, Trump signed the "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act." It’s a big win for his "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) platform, which he shares with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Basically, full-fat milk is back in schools.
But then there's the domestic friction. In Minneapolis today, there are massive protests against ICE crackdowns. Governor Gavin Newsom of California is also making noise, accusing the President of "whitewashing" history by replacing the traditional free entry to National Parks on MLK Day with a free day on Trump’s own birthday.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re trying to keep up, keep your eyes on the tariff announcements. The "Greenland Tax," as some are calling it, could go into effect any minute if Denmark doesn't blink. Also, watch for the official member list of the Board of Peace, which should be finalized by the time the Davos summit kicks off.
Basically, Trump is using today to set the board for a very aggressive week of international diplomacy. He's not just attending Davos; he's trying to redefine how the U.S. interacts with its oldest allies.
Actionable Insights for Following the News Today:
- Check the State Department Feed: Secretary Rubio is the one actually handling the outreach to the new "Board of Peace" members today.
- Monitor Market Reactions: If the Greenland tariffs are formalized, expect the Euro and Danish Krone to see some volatility.
- Watch Davos Arrivals: The "largest delegation ever" starts moving toward Switzerland today and tomorrow; expect a lot of "off the record" leaks about the Wednesday speech.