Trump Threatens 10% Tariffs on Eight European Allies Over Opposition to US Control of Greenland

 

Short Summary 

US President Donald Trump announced 10% tariffs on Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the UK, effective February 1, escalating to 25% by June 1 unless an agreement is reached for the US to acquire Greenland. The move targets opposition to his repeated demands for control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory. Thousands protested in Denmark, rejecting US claims, while a US congressional delegation sought to reassure allies. Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose joining the US, per polls.

Long Summary

In a sharp escalation of his campaign to acquire Greenland, US President Donald Trump announced on January 17, 2026, via Truth Social that he would impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom—starting February 1. The tariffs would increase to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until an agreement allows the United States to purchase the semi-autonomous Arctic territory from Denmark.

Trump's threat directly responds to widespread European opposition to his longstanding insistence that the US must control Greenland for strategic reasons. Since returning to office, he has described anything short of US ownership as "unacceptable."

The announcement triggered immediate backlash in Denmark, where thousands rallied in Copenhagen and other cities, waving Danish and Greenlandic flags while chanting "Kalaallit Nunaat" (Greenland's name in the local language) in rejection of US claims.

Hours earlier, a bipartisan US congressional delegation visiting Copenhagen attempted to ease tensions. Senator Chris Coons emphasized respect for Denmark and NATO alliances, urging Danes not to lose faith in the American people amid the president's rhetoric.

Recent diplomatic efforts have failed to shift the US position. This week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington but reported no change in the administration's stance. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described Trump's position as a "wish of conquering over Greenland."

Greenland, home to vital US military assets like the Thule Air Base, remains firmly opposed to transfer. A poll from early 2025 showed 85% of Greenlanders against joining the US, with only 6% in favor. Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly rejected the notion of the island being "sold" or "owned" by the United States.

There was no immediate official response from the targeted European nations as of January 17. The tariffs threaten to strain transatlantic relations and NATO unity at a time of global tensions, marking a bold use of economic leverage in pursuit of territorial ambitions reminiscent of Trump's first-term rhetoric on Greenland. Analysts warn the move could further isolate the US diplomatically while highlighting divisions within its own government and alliances.