WASHINGTON, D.C., and NUUK, Greenland — President Donald Trump escalated his push to acquire Greenland on Saturday, threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on multiple European countries if a deal is not reached. The proposed measures would start with a 10% levy on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland on February 1, rising to 25% in June, according to a post on Trump’s social media platform.
Trump defended the move by claiming the U.S. has “subsidized Denmark and all of the countries of the European Union for many years” and insisted that “after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!” He also expressed concern about European military deployments in Greenland, calling them “a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.”
The announcement drew swift pushback from Europe. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the tariff threat “a surprise” following what he described as a constructive meeting with U.S. officials earlier this week. French President Emmanuel Macron called the proposal “unacceptable,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said applying tariffs to allies “for pursuing the collective security of NATO” is “completely wrong.” Other European leaders emphasized dialogue over coercion, warning that aggressive measures could strain longstanding alliances.
Trump’s plan relies on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which he has used in previous executive orders. But legal experts note the Supreme Court is expected to weigh soon whether the law actually allows for tariffs, as it makes no mention of them. Preexisting trade agreements between the U.S. and the EU or the U.K. may also complicate the administration’s plans.
The threats sparked protests in both Greenland and Denmark. Thousands rallied in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense to show solidarity with Greenland’s residents. In Nuuk, the island’s capital, roughly 5,000 people — nearly 9% of Greenland’s population — gathered with banners reading “Yankee go home” and “Greenland is already great.”
Protest leaders said the demonstrations were about more than politics. “We are demonstrating against American statements and ambitions to annex Greenland,” said Camilla Siezing, chair of the Joint Association Inuit. Residents described Trump’s approach as aggressive and disrespectful, with one protester telling CNN bluntly: “We are not for sale.”
Meanwhile, a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers traveled to Copenhagen to meet with Danish and Greenlandic officials. Democratic Senator Chris Coons criticized the Trump administration’s rhetoric, calling it “not constructive,” and praised Greenlanders for building a resilient culture in an exceptionally harsh environment. Senate Democrats also announced plans to introduce legislation to block any tariffs.
Trump’s push faces opposition on multiple fronts. EU officials are coordinating a joint response, and American public opinion is largely against the move — a CNN poll found that three-quarters of Americans oppose the U.S. attempting to acquire Greenland. Even some Republican lawmakers have voiced concern, warning that Trump’s threats could undermine NATO alliances and U.S. economic interests.
Trump Threatens Sweeping Tariffs on European Allies in Escalating Push to Acquire Greenland
