Trump: 8 European Countries to Be Charged 10% Tariff for Opposing US Control of Greenland/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on eight European countries for opposing U.S. ambitions to take control of Greenland. The move comes amid growing global backlash, with mass protests erupting in Denmark and Greenland in support of self-governance. The escalating standoff risks straining U.S. ties with NATO allies and destabilizing Arctic diplomacy.
Trump Targets Europe Over Greenland Dispute: Quick Looks
- Trump announces 10% tariffs on eight European countries, rising to 25% by June.
- The reason: their opposition to U.S. “purchase” of Greenland, a Danish territory.
- Affected nations include Denmark, Germany, France, UK, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, and Finland.
- Thousands protest across Greenland and Denmark to defend the island’s autonomy.
- Trump: “Anything less than full U.S. control is unacceptable.”
- U.S. congressional delegation attempts damage control in Copenhagen.
- Denmark increases Arctic military presence, warns U.S. aggression would breach NATO principles.
- China and Russia falsely cited by Trump as near Greenland to justify takeover.
- Greenlandic and Danish leaders say “Greenland is not for sale.”
- NATO allies hold joint Arctic training exercises amid rising regional tensions.
Deep Look: Trump Slaps Tariffs on U.S. Allies Over Greenland Dispute
NUUK, Greenland (AP) — In an unprecedented move that could severely fracture transatlantic relations, President Donald Trump announced Saturday that eight European countries will face a 10% import tariff starting February 1 — rising to 25% on June 1 — unless they support the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland by the United States.
The tariff announcement came via Trump’s Truth Social account, where he accused Denmark and its allies of standing in the way of a deal he deems vital to U.S. national security.
“Greenland must be in U.S. hands. Anything else is unacceptable,” Trump wrote, citing unfounded claims about Chinese and Russian military vessels near Greenland’s coast.
Europe Responds with Defiance — and Protests Erupt
Within hours of the announcement, Greenlanders and Danes took to the streets, braving near-freezing rain and icy conditions to show solidarity against what many described as an attempted takeover of their land.
In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, hundreds marched with signs reading “Greenland is Not for Sale” and “We Shape Our Future.” Thousands more gathered across Copenhagen, waving Greenlandic and Danish flags in unison.
“This is important for the whole world,” protester Elise Riechie told the AP. “There are many small countries. None of them are for sale.”
Some placards poked fun at Trump directly, including slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off Greenland.”
Who’s Being Tariffed?
The eight countries targeted by Trump’s tariff order are:
- Denmark – Greenland’s governing country.
- Norway and Sweden – Scandinavian neighbors vocal in support of Greenland’s autonomy.
- France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – Major EU members who condemned Trump’s statements.
- Netherlands and Finland – EU states that joined a resolution backing Denmark.
Unless a deal is struck for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, these countries face a massive 25% tariff escalation by summer, threatening billions in transatlantic trade.
U.S. Lawmakers Attempt Diplomatic Damage Control
While Trump escalated tensions, a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation in Copenhagen scrambled to reassure allies that not all of Washington stands behind the president’s Greenland ambitions.
“I hope the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). “The rhetoric surrounding Greenland is deeply concerning.”
Coons emphasized that Denmark remains a trusted NATO ally, and warned that Trump’s approach risks alienating the very countries the U.S. depends on for security cooperation in Europe and the Arctic.
Denmark, Greenland Push Back — Militarily and Politically
In response to Trump’s aggression, Denmark has increased its military footprint in Greenland, conducting Arctic defense drills and coordinating security plans with other NATO members.
“I would never expect a NATO country to attack another NATO country,” said Maj. Gen. Søren Andersen, head of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command, speaking from a Danish military vessel docked in Nuuk.
While he insisted the exercises weren’t a direct response to Trump, Andersen confirmed that under Cold War-era Danish law, Danish troops are authorized to fight back if attacked, even by allies.
Operation Arctic Endurance and U.S. Participation
Despite tensions, U.S. troops were invited to join Operation Arctic Endurance, a joint NATO training operation in Greenland focused on Arctic defense. A planning session was held Friday, which included representatives from Canada, Norway, and Germany, as well as the United States.
Andersen clarified that while there has been no evidence of Chinese or Russian warships near Greenland, Denmark remains focused on defending its Arctic territory with allied cooperation.
Trump: “Greenland Is Critical for National Security”
Speaking during a domestic event on rural healthcare, Trump again framed Greenland as a strategic necessity, citing mineral resources and Arctic positioning.
“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump said. “And if countries don’t go along, we may put tariffs on — like we did for pharmaceuticals. Greenland is no different.”
Trump has long advocated for purchasing Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, citing national interest. But critics argue his rhetoric disregards Greenlandic self-rule and violates international law.
Tariffs: A New Weapon in Trump’s Greenland Campaign
Though Trump previously suggested military intervention or diplomatic pressure, this marks the first time he’s proposed economic coercion to push a Greenland acquisition.
The targeted tariffs would disrupt imports of automobiles, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, electronics, and consumer goods from key European allies, potentially igniting a major trade war.
Working Group Offers No Immediate Solution
Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. The result: a working group was formed — but the sides quickly disagreed on its purpose.
While the White House framed the group as a pre-negotiation tool for a future Greenland handover, Denmark maintains the group is solely for Arctic security cooperation and not up for sale.
“Only Denmark and Greenland decide Greenland’s future,” said Denmark’s foreign ministry.
Experts Warn of NATO Fallout
Foreign policy experts warn that Trump’s tactics may have long-term consequences, not just for U.S.-Denmark relations but for the integrity of NATO itself.
“If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally,” Sen. Coons said, “why would any other country believe in our promises?”
With Europe already wary of Trump’s protectionist trade agenda, this latest move threatens to reignite transatlantic divisions reminiscent of his first term.
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