Trump Threatens European Tariffs Over Greenland

AFP/APP

Palm Beach/Nuuk, United States: US President Donald Trump on Saturday escalated his bid to acquire Greenland, threatening multiple European nations with tariffs of up to 25 percent until he achieves control of the Danish territory.

Trump’s threats came as thousands of people protested in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, against his stated desire to acquire the mineral-rich Arctic island. Thousands more rallied in Copenhagen and other Danish cities.

The US president targeted Denmark — a fellow NATO member — along with several other European countries that have recently deployed troops to the vast autonomous territory, which has a population of about 57,000.

If carried out, Trump’s threats against Washington’s NATO allies would create unprecedented tension within the alliance.

From February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10-percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States, Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” he wrote.

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“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump added.

“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”

Trump said he was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries.”

Denmark described the announcement as a “surprise.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron stated: “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.”

“We won’t let ourselves be intimidated,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told AFP, adding that the affected governments were working on a joint response.

In a statement, European Union leaders said the bloc “stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.” An extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors was called in Brussels for Sunday afternoon.

Greenlandic minister Naaja Nathanielsen praised Europe’s response, saying she was “thankful and hopeful for diplomacy and allieship to prevail.”

‘Make America Go Away’

In Nuuk, thousands of demonstrators — including Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen — waved Greenlandic flags, chanted slogans, and sang traditional Inuit songs under light rain.

Many wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

“We don’t want Trump invading Greenland — that is the message,” said 44-year-old nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum, describing the situation as “nerve-wracking.”

“We demand respect for our country’s right to self-determination and for us as a people,” said protest organizer Avijaja Rosing-Olsen.

In Copenhagen, charity worker Kirsten Hjoernholm, 52, said it was vital to show unity with Greenlanders.

“You cannot be bullied by an ally. It’s about international law,” she said.

Demonstrators waved Danish and Greenlandic flags while chanting “Kalaallit Nunaat!” — Greenland’s name in the local language. Others held placards reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “USA already has too much ICE,” referring to Trump’s use of federal immigration officers.

US ‘Security’ Claims

Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs Greenland for “national security,” alleging — without evidence — that China and Russia are seeking control of the territory.

While both countries have increased their Arctic presence, neither has made sovereignty claims over Greenland.

France said recent European military exercises in Greenland were intended to demonstrate readiness to defend the territory. Denmark said the United States had been invited to participate.

It remains unclear what legal authority Trump would use to impose tariffs of up to 25 percent.

Since returning to the presidency, Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on goods from nearly all trading partners, citing unfair trade practices and using tariffs as diplomatic leverage.

Washington and the European Union reached an agreement last summer to reduce US tariffs on key European exports, a deal currently being implemented.

Also on Saturday, US lawmakers concluded a visit to Copenhagen for talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials. The delegation, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, said Trump’s stance does not reflect the views of most Americans.

 

It is also overwhelmingly opposed in Greenland, where 85 percent of residents — according to a January 2025 poll — reject joining the United States. Only six percent support the idea.