US President Donald Trump has once again put Greenland at the centre of global politics, this time by using trade pressure against America’s closest European allies. In a dramatic move, Trump announced that the United States will impose escalating tariffs on several European countries until Washington is allowed to purchase Greenland.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the tariffs would begin at 10 percent from February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. He added that the duties would rise sharply to 25 percent from June 1 if no agreement is reached.
The former president framed the move as a long-overdue correction, writing, “We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!”
Which Countries Face US Tariffs from February 1
Trump named Denmark and several major European economies as tariff targets, arguing that their continued access to US markets comes at America’s expense. According to him, these nations have benefited for decades from US protection while refusing to negotiate over Greenland.
He further alleged that officials from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, Finland, and the Netherlands have recently travelled to Greenland “for purposes unknown,” calling the visits part of a “perilous game.”
Why Greenland Matters to Trump?
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical to US national security due to its strategic Arctic location. He claims that growing interest from China and Russia makes American control essential.
He repeated his assertion online, stating that China and Russia “want” Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.” Mocking Denmark’s defence posture, he added, “They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”
Referring to himself in the third person, Trump wrote, “Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!”
He also claimed that US ownership would ensure global security, saying nobody would threaten the territory because US and world safety “is at stake.”
A Long-Standing Obsession With Greenland of Trump
Trump claimed that the US interest in repurchasing Greenland dates back more than 150 years. “Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused,” he said.
He also suggested that advanced US military systems, such as “The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive,” could enhance regional security, even claiming such protection would extend to Canada. Trump has previously said he wants Canada to become the 51st US state, a remark strongly rejected by Ottawa.
Tariffs as Trump’s Foreign Policy Weapon
The Greenland threat reflects Trump’s broader strategy of using tariffs to pressure governments. He recently warned India with a 25 percent “penalty” tariff over Russian oil imports, pushing total duties to 50 percent.
Trump said the US is now “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries,” stressing that Washington has provided “maximum protection” to its allies for decades.
As tensions rise, Trump’s latest move signals a sharp escalation in transatlantic relations, blending trade, security, and territorial ambition into one of the most unusual geopolitical standoffs in recent years.
