US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of 10 per cent tariffs on several European countries, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, and France, citing their opposition to his proposal for the United States to acquire Greenland.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the tariffs would take effect from February 1 and warned that the rate would be increased to 25 per cent from June 1 if negotiations fail to result in what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.
The announcement came a day after Trump warned that countries opposing his Greenland plan could face economic measures. He has repeatedly argued that Greenland is strategically important for US national security due to its mineral resources and Arctic location.
European leaders have rejected the proposal, stating that Greenland’s future can only be decided by Denmark and the people of Greenland. Denmark recently confirmed that it would strengthen its military presence in Greenland, working in coordination with allies.
The White House said the increased European military presence would not affect the US position. France’s Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo described the developments as a sign that Europe was prepared to defend sovereignty.
Trump has justified his position by claiming that US control of Greenland is necessary to prevent the region from falling under the influence of China or Russia. Earlier this week, he said that any outcome short of US ownership was “unacceptable.”
Following meetings in Washington, Danish officials said the two governments remained in fundamental disagreement over Greenland’s future. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen ruled out any US acquisition, stating that such a move would violate international law and infringe on sovereignty.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reaffirmed the territory’s alignment with Denmark and Europe, saying Greenland would choose Denmark, NATO, and the European Union if forced to decide.
Public opposition has also grown in Denmark, where thousands of demonstrators marched in Copenhagen to support Greenland’s self-governance. Protesters carried signs stating “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future.”
The dispute has added to diplomatic tensions between the United States and European allies, with no indication so far that negotiations will bridge the gap.
