Trump Threatens Tariffs on European Allies Over Greenland Control

Trump's Tariff Threats Spark European Outrage

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure for U.S. control over Greenland by threatening new tariffs on eight European allies, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump announced that starting February 1, 2026, a 10% tariff will be imposed on all goods exported to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. This rate is set to escalate to 25% by June 1 and will remain in effect until an agreement for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland is reached.

Trump argues that Greenland is crucial for U.S. national security, particularly in countering ambitions from China and Russia in the Arctic region. He has not ruled out the use of force, stating that the area is essential for missile defense and other strategic purposes. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, which, along with Greenland, has repeatedly stated that it is not for sale.

In response to Trump's threats, European leaders have united in their opposition:

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the tariffs as "completely wrong," asserting that imposing tariffs on NATO allies is unacceptable. He called for direct dialogue with the U.S. administration.


• French President Emmanuel Macron deemed the threats "unacceptable," stating, "No threat or pressure will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else." He emphasized the need for a united European response, asserting that tariff threats have no place in this context.

Other European leaders and EU officials have expressed full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, describing the situation as dangerous for transatlantic relations. The EU has convened an emergency meeting, with many leaders asserting that Arctic security should be addressed collectively through NATO, rather than through threats.