US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose steep tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European allies unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States, triggering sharp reactions across Europe and raising fresh concerns over global trade tensions.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said the US would impose a 10 percent tariff from February 1 on all goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. He added that the tariff would rise to 25 percent from June 1 and remain in force until a deal is reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland”.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump has repeatedly argued that US ownership of the Arctic island is vital for national security, a claim strongly rejected by Denmark, Greenland and other Nato allies.
Trump also alleged that forces from several European countries had travelled to Greenland “for purposes unknown”. This appeared to refer to a recent Nato deployment aimed at strengthening Arctic security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Danish lawmakers reacted sharply, with defence committee chair Rasmus Jarlov stating that Denmark and Greenland would “never hand over Greenland”.
European leaders closed ranks in response. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stood in full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, warning that tariffs would damage transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Greenland’s future was a matter for Denmark and the Greenlandic people, calling the use of tariffs against allies “completely wrong”. French President Emmanuel Macron compared Trump’s threats to territorial coercion seen elsewhere in the world, while leaders in Sweden, Norway and Finland said allies should not be threatened or blackmailed.
Trump’s comments mark a sharp reversal from recent trade agreements he announced with the UK and the European Union. Even some of his allies have criticised the move. Nigel Farage said the tariffs would hurt the UK, while US senator Thom Tillis warned that the threat would weaken Nato and benefit America’s rivals.
Analysts warn that renewed tariff threats could further strain the global economy and deepen uncertainty in international trade.
