President Donald Trump said he may impose tariffs on countries that oppose his push for US control of Greenland, escalating tensions with Denmark and European allies.
Speaking at a White House event, Trump warned that nations that “don’t go along with Greenland” could face trade penalties, framing the Arctic island as vital to US national security. It marks the first time he has openly suggested using tariffs as leverage to pursue control of the Danish territory.
The comments come as a bipartisan group of US lawmakers traveled to Copenhagen to reassure Denmark and Greenlandic leaders of congressional support and to dial down diplomatic tensions. At the same time, European military teams have begun arriving in Greenland in a symbolic show of backing for Denmark.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the US needs Greenland for strategic and security reasons, a stance rejected by both Denmark and Greenland’s local government. European officials have warned that the rhetoric risks undermining NATO unity, even as Washington insists the issue is about long-term Arctic security rather than territorial expansion.
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Related: Why Trump Wants Greenland and Why the White House Calls It a National Security Priority
