In a significant escalation of transatlantic tensions, former President Donald Trump has declared impending tariff measures against eight European nations in pursuit of his longstanding ambition to acquire Greenland. Through his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump announced a 10% import tariff scheduled to take effect February 1st targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain—all already subject to existing Trump-era tariffs.
The punitive measures would intensify to 25% by June 1st unless negotiations culminate in U.S. ownership of the autonomous Danish territory. Trump maintains that Greenland’s strategic Arctic positioning and substantial mineral resources render it vital to American security interests, refusing to discount potential military action despite Greenland and Denmark’s consistent assertions that the island is not for sale.
The announcement triggered immediate diplomatic backlash across Europe. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the threat via social media, stating tariff imposition against allies pursuing collective NATO security was ‘completely wrong.’ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued identical statements affirming the EU’s ‘full solidarity’ with Denmark and Greenland, warning tariffs risked a ‘dangerous downward spiral’ in transatlantic relations.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed surprise at the unilateral declaration, while Cyprus, holding the EU presidency, convened an emergency meeting of ambassadors from all 27 member states. Multiple European officials reiterated that tariff threats should have no place in discussions regarding Greenland’s sovereignty.
The move potentially jeopardizes tentative trade agreements negotiated between the Trump administration and European partners last year. Trade analysts note the unprecedented approach of targeting specific EU members differently risks fragmenting European unity and could undermine existing trade frameworks.
Meanwhile, thousands protested in Denmark and Greenland against what they perceive as neo-colonial aggression, demanding respect for Greenland’s self-determination. The escalating situation has raised concerns among NATO members about the alliance’s stability, with some U.S. senators warning the approach damages American interests and strengthens adversaries like China and Russia.