Overview
- Mike Johnson became the first sitting U.S. House speaker to address the U.K. Parliament, framing his visit around the 250th anniversary of American independence.
- Johnson said he spoke to President Trump at length and described his mission as helping to "calm the waters," praising Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s conciliatory tone and urging disputes be handled "calmly as friends."
- Trump has intensified his campaign to take control of Greenland, threatening a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% on June 1, and he has not ruled out the use of force.
- European unease deepened as Trump denounced Britain’s plan to transfer Chagos sovereignty to Mauritius as "great stupidity," even though the 2025 deal preserves a 99-year lease for the Diego Garcia base and previously drew U.S. support.
- Seeking to lower tensions, Johnson emphasized diplomacy on Greenland, noting a designated special envoy and saying officials do not anticipate military intervention.