Honestly, the news cycle in 2026 is moving so fast it feels like we’re all just trying to keep our heads above water. If you turned on your phone this morning, you probably saw a wall of text about "Peace Boards" and Greenland. It sounds like a geopolitical fever dream.
But it’s real.
Today, January 18, 2026, the big story isn't just one thing—it’s a collision of trade wars, new international alliances, and a massive shift in how the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world. National news headlines are currently dominated by President Trump’s "Board of Peace" taking a much larger shape and a brewing trade war with Europe over, of all things, Greenland.
Let's break down what's actually going on.
The "Board of Peace" is No Longer Just About Gaza
When the Board of Peace was first mentioned, people thought it was a temporary committee to handle the ceasefire in Gaza. It wasn't. Today, we learned that letters have been sent to world leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei and Canada’s Mark Carney, inviting them to be "founding members."
Basically, the administration is trying to build a rival to the United Nations.
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The logic from the White House is that the UN is "bloated" and "woke." They want a leaner, "America First" version of international diplomacy. The executive committee already includes heavy hitters like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Apollo Global Management’s Marc Rowan, and even former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Israel isn't happy. They put out a statement on Saturday saying this wasn't coordinated with them. It’s a mess.
Russia and China are expected to veto any attempt to give this board official "international organization" status, but the U.S. seems to be moving ahead anyway. They’re calling it a "Transitional Governing Administration." If you think that sounds like a big deal, you’re right. It’s a fundamental pivot in how global conflicts might be settled in the next few years.
The Greenland Tariff War: Why Europe is Fuming
If you thought the Greenland stuff was a joke back in 2019, it’s not a joke now.
Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries:
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- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- France
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- Netherlands
- Finland
Why? Because these countries opposed the U.S. having more control over Greenland. The President says Greenland is essential for the "Golden Dome" missile defense system. He’s also worried about China and Russia getting their hands on the island’s massive mineral reserves.
Denmark’s Major General Søren Andersen says they haven’t seen any Chinese warships off the coast, contrary to White House claims. He even mentioned that Danish soldiers have an "obligation to fight back" if U.S. troops use force on Danish soil. That’s an incredibly intense thing for a NATO ally to say.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it a "downward spiral." It’s basically a high-stakes game of chicken with our oldest allies.
What’s Happening at Home: Gov. Spanberger and the Economy
While the world is screaming about Greenland, things are shifting domestically too. Abigail Spanberger was just sworn in as Virginia’s first woman governor. It’s a landmark moment that’s getting slightly overshadowed by the chaos in D.C., but for many, it signals a potential shift in the Democratic party’s strategy heading into the 2026 midterms.
On the money side of things, the national news headlines are a bit of a mixed bag.
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- The U.S. current account deficit actually narrowed by about $22 billion.
- Stocks are up, mostly because of AI confidence and some solid Q4 profits.
- However, we’re still dealing with the aftermath of the 43-day government shutdown from late last year.
Economists are watching the Federal Reserve like hawks. There’s a rumor that a successor to Fed Chair Jerome Powell might be named this month. If you have a mortgage or a 401k, that’s the name you should be looking for.
Climate and Tech: The Quiet Crisis
While everyone argues about tariffs, the planet is still getting hotter. 2025 was officially the third-warmest year ever recorded. There’s a huge push right now for "clean fuels"—biofuels and hydrogen—but investment needs to quadruple by 2030 to hit any of the goals set by the World Economic Forum.
Interestingly, the Trump administration just lost two court cases this week regarding clean energy. One judge ruled that halting clean energy grants was "unlawful" because it targeted Democratic-led states. Another judge told a Danish wind farm developer they could keep building off the coast of Rhode Island.
Actionable Insights for Today
The news is heavy, but here is how you can actually navigate it:
- Watch Your Portfolio: If you have investments in European imports or tech companies that rely on global supply chains, the Greenland tariffs could cause some volatility in February. Keep an eye on the "Golden Dome" defense contractors; they might see a boost.
- Energy Bills: Despite promises to slash energy bills, many households are still seeing high costs. If you’re in a state where clean energy grants were restored by the courts, look into local solar or wind incentives that might have just become "live" again.
- Travel Plans: If you’re headed to Europe, the "downward spiral" of trade relations could eventually affect exchange rates. It might be a good time to lock in your currency if the dollar is strong today.
- Stay Local: With the 2026 midterms looming and new governors like Spanberger taking office, local policy is going to move faster than federal gridlock. Pay attention to your state’s "One Big Beautiful Bill" equivalents for local stimulus.
The Board of Peace and the Greenland tariffs aren't just headlines; they’re the first real tests of the "new world order" being built in real-time. Whether it works or implodes is the question everyone in Davos is asking this weekend.
Stay sharp.
Next Steps for You:
Check your state’s eligibility for the restored clean energy grants, especially if you live in a coastal or "blue" state, as these funds were recently released by court order. Monitor the February 1st tariff implementation date if you manage a business that imports parts from Northern Europe.