The demonstration came as anger grows over Trump’s threats to take over Greenland.
In Zurich, thousands gathered with signs including “Put the Trumpster in the dumpster” to voice their opposition. Clashes with police erupted after windows were smashed and property damaged, with masked protesters burning a US flag.
Read more: World unsafe until US controls Greenland, Trump claims
Police used water cannons, chemical irritants, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, reporting no injuries despite being targeted with stones and fireworks.
Activists from the Swiss NGO Campax also projected a cartoon image of Trump on a ski slope with the words “Spirit of plutocracy” to criticize his attendance.
Over 3,000 participants, including CEOs and at least 60 world leaders, are expected at the Davos summit in the Swiss Alps. Trump is scheduled to deliver a speech amid ongoing disputes with European leaders over Greenland. He insists the US needs the territory for security reasons and has not ruled out military action.
On social media, Trump warned, “There can be no going back,” while Europe threatened retaliatory tariffs worth €93bn in response to his trade threats. Ukrainian officials noted that peace negotiations with Russia will also continue alongside the conference.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized Trump’s Arctic and tariff threats at Davos, emphasizing Europe’s capabilities to police the region. Meanwhile, protests have spread to Greenland and Denmark, with thousands participating, including Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
California Governor Gavin Newsom called global leaders “pathetic” for failing to challenge Trump’s rhetoric. He compared Trump to a T-rex, saying, “You mate with him or he devours you, one or the other, and you need to stand up to it. They need to stand tall, stand firm, stand united.”
Read more: Trump threatens eight European nations with tariffs over Greenland
The protests show growing international opposition to Trump’s Greenland plans and aggressive trade policies. His presence in Davos comes amid heightened tensions with Europe, highlighting a clash between US unilateral moves and global cooperation. Leaders’ reactions suggest debates at the forum could shape both economic and geopolitical strategies.
