US President Donald Trump has once again thrust the fate of Greenland into the spotlight, this time using threatened tariffs as leverage to push Denmark and its European allies toward discussions about American control of the Arctic island. Trump says Greenland is crucial for US national security and has warned that eight European countries will face trade penalties if a deal on sovereignty isn’t reached.
His stance has ignited sharp criticism from Europe, with NATO members and EU leaders uniting to defend Denmark’s rights and the territorial integrity of Greenland.
On Truth Social, Trump accused Denmark of ignoring long-standing security concerns around the Arctic island, writing, “NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
What Trump Has Said About Greenland Tariffs and Security
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump outlined his plan to impose 10% tariffs on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, 2026.
He warned the duty would rise to 25% on June 1 if “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” isn’t agreed upon. Trump framed the move as a response to perceived security threats posed by Russia and China in the Arctic, accusing Denmark of not adequately addressing these concerns.
He wrote that the United States had tried to secure Greenland for over “150 years,” highlighting its strategic position and valuable resources in the far North. Trump insists that the island’s location is essential to protecting global peace and national security — though critics say his approach is coercive.
European Leaders Reject US Pressure, Stand by Denmark
In response, a joint statement from eight European nations accused the United States of risking a “dangerous downward spiral” in relations and undermining alliances built over decades. The countries vowed to defend their sovereignty and reaffirmed Denmark’s authority over Greenland, stressing that territorial decisions belong to the Greenlandic people and Denmark.
European leaders emphasised that recent military deployments in Greenland were part of NATO cooperation to strengthen Arctic security — not a threat requiring US control. “Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations,” the statement said, stressing the need for dialogue based on sovereignty and territorial integrity.
France’s President Emmanuel Macron declared the tariff threats “unacceptable,” adding that no intimidation would sway Europe’s position on this or other global issues. “No intimidation nor threat will influence us,” he said, highlighting the principle that allies do not coerce one another.
Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre echoed this sentiment, stating “threats have no place among allies” and reaffirming that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Sweden also rejected the pressure as “blackmail.”
Denmark and Greenland Reject US Takeover
Denmark’s leaders expressed surprise at the tariff announcement, saying they were taken aback given ongoing security dialogues with US officials. Danish politicians stressed that recent Arctic deployments were transparent and cooperative, aimed at strengthening shared defence rather than challenging US interests.
Greenlandic officials, meanwhile, have voiced gratitude for European solidarity and stressed their desire for self-determination. They argue that negotiations over sovereignty must respect both Greenland’s autonomy and its alliance with Denmark, not be dictated by external pressures.
Impact on Transatlantic Relations and NATO
Trump’s tariff threat has exposed deep rifts within NATO and the EU-US relationship. European leaders warn that such economic coercion could erode trust between long-standing allies and complicate cooperation on broader security challenges, including tensions with Russia and China — the very threats Trump claims to confront.
Even some members of Congress and European populist allies have distanced themselves from the aggressive tactics, highlighting concerns about damaging transatlantic unity. This standoff comes at a time when cooperation among allied nations — especially within NATO — is seen as vital for facing global security issues.
The dispute has triggered emergency diplomatic meetings in Brussels, with some EU officials discussing retaliatory trade measures should tariffs go ahead. Although negotiations could yet open, European nations are determined to uphold the principle that Greenland’s destiny must be chosen by Greenlanders and Denmark, not economically coerced by a powerful ally.
For now, the Greenland issue stands as a flashpoint in US-European relations, one that may shape diplomatic, economic, and security policies across the Atlantic for years to come.
