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Washington, D.C. – January 18, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has dramatically intensified his long-standing campaign to acquire Greenland, issuing stark warnings to European nations that failure to facilitate the transfer of the Danish-controlled Arctic territory could result in severe trade penalties. In a series of fiery statements released from the White House and amplified on social media, Trump outlined plans for tariffs of up to 25% on goods from multiple European countries, framing the move as essential to safeguarding U.S. strategic interests in the rapidly changing Arctic region.
The announcement marks a bold escalation in Trump's foreign policy agenda since his return to office in January 2025, following his victory in the 2024 election. Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of approximately 57,000, has been viewed by the Trump administration as a critical asset due to its vast mineral resources—including rare earth elements vital for technology and defense—and its strategic location along emerging Arctic shipping routes opened by climate change-induced ice melt. The island also hosts U.S. military installations, such as the Thule Air Base, which plays a key role in missile defense and space surveillance.
Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland is not new; he first publicly floated the idea in 2019 during his first term, describing it as a "large real estate deal" that would benefit American security. At the time, Danish officials dismissed the proposal as "absurd," leading to a diplomatic spat that saw Trump cancel a state visit to Denmark. Now, with renewed vigor, the president has tied the acquisition to broader geopolitical concerns, accusing European NATO allies of undermining U.S. efforts through increased military deployments to the island.
"These nations are playing a very dangerous game," Trump declared in a video message posted to Truth Social. "Their actions have created an unsustainable level of risk, and we're going to protect global peace with strong countermeasures to bring this to a swift conclusion." He specifically criticized Denmark and other allies for what he called "provocative and destabilizing" troop movements in Greenland, arguing that such presence heightens global security threats in the Arctic, where competition with Russia and China is intensifying.
According to details outlined in the White House statement, tariffs would initially be set at 10% on all exports to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective February 1, 2026. The levies would escalate to 25% by June 1, remaining in place until an agreement is reached for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland. The targeted countries include key NATO members, raising questions about the potential fallout within the alliance, which Trump has frequently criticized for uneven burden-sharing.
Legal experts have questioned the authority under which such tariffs could be imposed on allied nations. While the U.S. president has broad powers under laws like Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (for national security threats) and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 (for unfair practices), applying them to NATO partners over a territorial dispute is unprecedented. "This would be an extraordinary escalation," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a trade policy analyst at the Brookings Institution. "It risks fracturing alliances at a time when unity is crucial against common adversaries like Russia."
The Arctic has become a flashpoint in global geopolitics, with melting ice caps unlocking new trade routes and resource opportunities. Russia's militarization of the region, including submarine patrols and base expansions, has prompted NATO to bolster its presence. In recent months, several European nations have indeed increased deployments to Greenland, including joint exercises involving Danish, Norwegian, and British forces aimed at enhancing Arctic readiness. France and Germany have also contributed to scientific and logistical support, while Finland and Sweden—new NATO members since 2024—have participated in regional patrols.
Trump's administration argues that these actions interfere with U.S. ambitions, potentially complicating negotiations for expanded American influence on the island. Officials point to Greenland's untapped wealth in zinc, iron ore, and rare earths, which could reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supplies. A White House briefing paper released alongside the statements claims that European opposition stems from "jealousy and short-sightedness," and that tariffs are a necessary tool to "correct unfair practices" blocking U.S. strategic goals.
Reactions from Europe have been swift and largely condemnatory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, echoing her 2019 response, called the threats "unacceptable" and reaffirmed that "Greenland is not for sale." In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the targeted nations described the tariff proposal as "coercive and counterproductive," urging dialogue within NATO frameworks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed concern over the potential economic impact, noting that British exports to the U.S.—including automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and financial services—could face billions in added costs.
In Germany, Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that such measures could provoke retaliatory tariffs, escalating into a transatlantic trade war reminiscent of Trump's first-term disputes with the EU over steel and aluminum. "We stand united with Denmark," Scholz said during a press conference in Berlin. "This is not how allies negotiate." Meanwhile, Norwegian officials highlighted the irony, given Norway's own Arctic territories like Svalbard, which have seen increased U.S. cooperation in recent years.
Within the U.S., the announcement has divided opinions. Republican supporters in Congress, such as Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), praised it as "tough but necessary" to counter Arctic threats. However, Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) decried it as "reckless bullying" that alienates key partners. Business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, voiced alarm over potential supply chain disruptions, estimating that a 25% tariff could add $50 billion annually to import costs from the affected countries.
Greenland's local government, led by Premier Múte Egede, has repeatedly asserted its autonomy in such matters, emphasizing that any decisions must prioritize the Inuit-majority population's interests. "We are not a commodity," Egede stated in a recent interview, amid growing calls for independence from Denmark.
As the February 1 deadline approaches, diplomatic channels are reportedly active, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (reappointed in 2025) engaging European counterparts. Yet, Trump's history of following through on tariff threats—seen in past actions against China, Mexico, and Canada—suggests the measures could materialize, potentially reshaping NATO dynamics and global trade.
This push aligns with Trump's broader "America First" agenda, which has included aggressive tariffs on over 50 countries since 2025, aimed at addressing trade imbalances and leveraging economic pressure for strategic gains. Whether this gambit succeeds in acquiring Greenland or merely strains alliances remains uncertain, but it underscores the unpredictable nature of U.S. foreign policy under the second Trump administration.
