Trump threatens EU with new tariffs to acquire Greenland

President Donald Trump announced that the US will implement new tariffs on several European countries. This will happen unless an agreement is reached for the acquisition of Greenland. The announcement intensifies his campaign for American control over the Danish territory. Starting February 1, a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark and other European nations will be imposed. This tariff will rise to 25% by June 1 if no deal is reached.

Trump argued that the US has subsidised European countries for years. He called for Denmark to reciprocate. He claimed control of Greenland is vital for global security due to its strategic military value. He did not clarify which products the tariffs would target or if these rates are added to existing tariffs.

European leaders, surprised by the announcement, expressed concern. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted recent constructive talks with US officials. Others—like the French, British, Norwegian, Finnish, and EU leaders—condemned the proposed tariffs. They urged diplomatic solutions.

Protests erupted in both Denmark and Greenland against Trump’s threats, with demonstrators supporting Greenlandic self-determination. A recent CNN poll found that three-quarters of Americans oppose the US taking control of Greenland. Meanwhile, the EU plans an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

President Donald Trump has announced a new policy. The United States will impose new tariffs on several European countries. This will happen unless an agreement is reached on the acquisition of Greenland. This move escalates his administration’s campaign to secure American control over the Danish territory. According to the announcement, the US will impose a 10% tariff on goods. This will start from 1 February. These goods are imported from Denmark and other European nations. If no agreement is reached by 1 June, this tariff will increase to 25%.

Trump argued that the United States has subsidised European countries for many years and insisted that Denmark should reciprocate. He asserted that controlling Greenland is crucial for global security, citing its strategic military importance. Yet, Trump did not specify which products would be affected by the tariffs. He also did not clarify whether these new rates would be besides existing tariffs.

European Response and Diplomatic Tensions

The announcement took European leaders by surprise and has been met with concern across the continent. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen highlighted that there had recently been constructive discussions with US officials. Meanwhile, officials from France, Britain, Norway, Finland, and the European Union condemned the proposed tariffs. They urged the United States to pursue diplomatic solutions instead.

The threat of tariffs sparked protests in both Denmark and Greenland, with demonstrators voicing strong support for Greenlandic self-determination. A recent CNN poll indicated that three-quarters of Americans are opposed to the United States taking control of Greenland. In response to the escalating situation, the European Union has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the matter further.