President Donald Trump has ignited a fresh international controversy, vowing to impose escalating tariffs on key European allies unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland. The vast Arctic island, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is firmly declared “not for sale” by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
Trump’s plan, announced on Truth Social, involves a 10% import tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain starting February 1. These tariffs would then surge to 25% by June 1, remaining in place until a deal for Greenland’s acquisition is reached. Trump insists Greenland is vital for U.S. security due to its strategic location and valuable mineral deposits, even hinting at the use of force.
This aggressive demand has been met with widespread condemnation from European nations and NATO allies. Leaders like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU officials have denounced the tariff threat as “completely wrong,” warning it could severely damage transatlantic relations and even undermine NATO’s unity. They emphasize solidarity with Denmark, pointing out that Greenland is already covered by NATO’s collective security pact. Protests against Trump’s demands have also erupted in Denmark and Greenland.
Many international observers and some U.S. senators believe Trump’s motives extend beyond security, suspecting a desire for territorial expansion. The situation has prompted an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors, with experts cautioning that these actions could jeopardize existing trade agreements and create dangerous divisions among allies, potentially benefiting rivals like China and Russia. It’s a high-stakes geopolitical standoff with global implications.
Source: https://cyprus-mail.com/2026/01/18/trump-vows-tariffs-on-eight-european-nations-over-greenland
