WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with key European allies by threatening sweeping new tariffs unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland, Denmark’s autonomous Arctic territory.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump announced that additional 10% import tariffs will take effect on February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Britain countries already facing U.S. trade penalties. He further warned that these tariffs would rise to 25% by June 1 and remain in place until negotiations over Greenland result in a deal.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is strategically vital to U.S. national security due to its Arctic location, military value, and vast mineral reserves. He has also declined to rule out the use of force, a stance that has alarmed European capitals and raised concerns within NATO.
In response, Denmark has deployed additional military personnel to Greenland, supported by several European partners. Public protests erupted across Denmark and Greenland over the weekend, with demonstrators rejecting U.S. pressure and calling for Greenland’s future to be determined by its people.
European Union leaders have voiced strong backing for Denmark, warning that any U.S. military action against a NATO member’s territory could fracture the alliance and destabilize transatlantic security arrangements. Britain has also publicly supported Denmark’s position.
Trump, however, signaled he remains open to negotiations, stating that the U.S. is prepared to engage with Denmark and other European nations despite what he described as “dangerous games” that place regional stability at risk.
The standoff marks one of the most serious diplomatic rifts between Washington and its European allies in years, blending trade pressure, security concerns, and Arctic geopolitics into a volatile mix.
–Sergio Liffey
