President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Europe by threatening new tariffs on eight European nations unless the United States is allowed to buy Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said a 10 percent tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Kingdom will begin on February 1. He added that the tariffs will rise to 25 percent on June 1 and stay in place until a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
Trump repeated that he wants full ownership of Greenland, calling the Arctic island critical for US security and rich in valuable minerals. Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, saying the territory is not for sale and has the right to decide its own future.
The threat triggered an immediate backlash across Europe.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was “completely wrong” and warned that tariffs against NATO allies undermine collective security.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe stands in “full solidarity” with Denmark and Greenland and warned that tariffs could start a dangerous trade spiral.
Officials from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden also voiced support for Denmark and called for diplomacy instead of economic pressure.
Protests broke out in Denmark and Greenland, where demonstrators opposed Trump’s demands and warned against foreign control of the island.
Trump argues Greenland is essential because of its location between North America and Europe and its rare mineral resources. European leaders counter that Greenland is already protected under NATO and hosts a long-standing US military base.
The dispute comes as the US Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump’s broad tariff powers, a decision that could shape future trade policy.
Analysts warn the threat could derail existing US-Europe trade agreements and deepen divisions inside NATO.
For now, Europe is calling for talks. But the standoff over Greenland is rapidly becoming one of the most serious transatlantic disputes of Trump’s second term.
Related: Trump’s Greenland tariffs: What’s Europe’s ‘trade bazooka’ option to hit back?
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