NEW DELHI, India (January 17) — US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose escalating tariffs on eight European nations, demanding the purchase of Greenland. The move directly challenges NATO allies and intensifies a longstanding geopolitical dispute over the strategic Arctic territory.
In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said he would enact a new wave of tariffs targeting key European allies if the United States is not allowed to buy Greenland. The threat marks a sharp escalation in his long-stated ambition to acquire the vast, resource-rich Danish territory for US security interests.
What did Trump announce?
Trump stated that new 10% import tariffs would take effect on February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Britain. These nations are already subject to previous tariffs from his administration. He said these new tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain until a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
In his post on Truth Social, Trump called the situation a “very dangerous game” and said the involved countries had created an untenable level of risk. He framed the tariffs as a pressure tactic to force negotiations.
Why does Greenland matter?
Greenland is a self-governing territory of Denmark. Its strategic location in the Arctic and large deposits of rare earth minerals have long made it an object of US strategic interest. Trump has previously called it vital to US security and has not ruled out using force to take it.
This recent threat follows reports that European nations sent military personnel to the island this week at Denmark’s request, a move seen as reinforcing sovereignty.
How are European nations reacting?
The announcement has drawn immediate condemnation. Protesters in Denmark and Greenland demonstrated on Saturday against Trump’s demands, calling for the island to determine its own future.
Key European Union nations have strongly backed Denmark. They warn that any US military seizure of territory within NATO could collapse the military alliance, which Washington leads. Britain has also publicly expressed its support for Denmark.
FAQs
Q: Can the US actually buy Greenland?
A: No sovereign nation is legally obligated to sell its territory. Any transfer would require agreement from the governments of Denmark and Greenland’s own elected parliament, which has consistently opposed the idea.
Q: Why are these eight countries targeted?
A: They are all NATO allies that Trump has criticized in the past for defense spending and which he claims are involved in supporting Denmark’s position on Greenland.
Q: What has been Greenland’s response?
A: Greenland’s government and people have repeatedly asserted their right to self-determination and have shown no interest in being sold.
