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Krugman: Trump's Davos Speech Backfires Against Europe

1/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize-winning economist, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his World Economic Forum speech in Davos, saying he appeared less confident.
Krugman argued Trump's attempts to intimidate Europe with financial sanctions failed, and European leaders united against his rhetoric.
He noted that tariffs did not intimidate Europe but triggered a strong, unified response.
The article frames Krugman's view as left-leaning and urges U.S. figures to heed the lesson.

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Story summary

Paul Krugman, Nobel Prize-winning economist, criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for his World Economic Forum speech in Davos, saying he appeared less confident.
Krugman argued Trump's attempts to intimidate Europe with financial sanctions failed, and European leaders united against his rhetoric.
He noted that tariffs did not intimidate Europe but triggered a strong, unified response.
The article frames Krugman's view as left-leaning and urges U.S. figures to heed the lesson.