Trump-Greenland Escalation: 10% Tariffs On Denmark And 7 NATO Partners Including UK

US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will impose a 10 per cent tariff on goods imported from eight European countries starting February 1, after their opposition to his long-standing push for the United States to acquire Greenland.

In a social media post, Trump said that the tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland by the United States.

Trump justified the move by arguing that US control of the mineral-rich Arctic island is essential for national security, particularly to counter potential influence from China and Russia in the region. He has repeatedly described anything short of full US ownership as "unacceptable" and claimed Denmark lacks the capability to defend the territory effectively.

The announcement follows recent deployments of small military contingents from several NATO allies—including Denmark, Germany, France, and others—to Greenland, which Trump portrayed as provocative actions with unclear purposes. European leaders have framed these as cooperative efforts to bolster Arctic security and defend sovereignty, insisting that Greenland's future is a matter solely for Denmark and the island's autonomous government to decide.

Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen firmly rejected any sale, stating it is "out of the question" and violates international norms and sovereignty principles. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen claimed loyalty to Denmark, NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the EU, declaring that if forced to choose, Greenland would side with Denmark over the United States.

Thousands protested across Denmark and in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, on Saturday, waving flags and carrying signs reading "Greenland is not for sale," "We shape our future," and "Greenland is already GREAT" to affirm self-determination and reject US pressure.

The White House has maintained that an increased European military presence in Greenland will not deter Trump's ambitions. The tariff threat has drawn sharp criticism from European officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron and EU leaders, who expressed solidarity with Denmark and warned of damage to transatlantic relations. Some US lawmakers, including those from both parties, have also opposed the approach, highlighting existing agreements allowing US military expansion in Greenland without ownership transfer.

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