Agadir – US President Donald Trump has announced plans to impose escalating tariffs up to 25% on several European countries until Denmark agrees to sell the autonomous territory of Greenland to the United States.
In an initial statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said that starting February 1, a 10% tariff will be imposed on all goods imported into the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
He added that “on June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump framed the move as a response to what he described as European opposition to US ambitions in Greenland. The Arctic territory is of increasing strategic importance, especially amid geopolitical competition in the region.
Trump Saturday said that “world Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.”
“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake,” he alleged.
The president’s statement follows NATO’s move to deploy troops, including forces from some of the targeted countries to Greenland, which Trump and his supporters have portrayed as a threat to US national security.
Trump further claimed that “this is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.”
Strong reactions from Europe
European leaders reacted strongly against Trump’s tariff threat, describing it as coercive and harmful to longstanding alliances. Officials from the European Union, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom all condemned the proposal, warning that such measures would undermine transatlantic relations.
In a post on X, French president Emmanuel Macron asserted: “No intimidation or threat will influence us – neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.”
“Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond in a united and coordinated manner should they be confirmed. We will ensure that European sovereignty is upheld,” he wrote.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s foreign minister, responded on social media saying “The President’s statement comes as a surprise.” He noted that “Earlier this week, we had a constructive meeting with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio. The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland, to which the President refers, is to enhance security in the Arctic.”
The chair of Denmark’s defense committee also commented saying that “Every insult, threat, tariff and lie that we receive strengthens our resolve,” stressing that “the answer from Denmark and Greenland is final: We will never hand over Greenland. We pray that our true allies will stand with us because we are going to need it.”
The EU commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the Europeans “have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through NATO. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.”
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.”
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” she added.
For his part, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commented on Trump’s threats stating that “we will not let ourselves be blackmailed,” pointing out that “only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbors.”
