Donald Trump said he will impose tariffs on European countries opposing his Greenland demand. He vowed to act “100%” on the threat. European allies immediately defended Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark said no leader can pressure ownership of the territory.
Denmark’s foreign minister rejected coercion. He said Greenland’s status will not change. He stressed the territory remains part of the Danish kingdom. European leaders repeated that stance in coordinated statements.
Europe Unites to Defend Greenland
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s position. She said only Greenlanders and Denmark can decide Greenland’s future. She rejected outside interference. Other Nato allies issued similar statements.
On Monday, Trump refused to rule out force. He insisted tariffs would proceed regardless. The measures target the UK and seven Nato partners. His comments escalated diplomatic tensions.
Trump Ties Tariffs to Security and Leverage
Early Tuesday, Trump described a call with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. He said the conversation went very well. Leaders agreed to meet in Switzerland this week. He stressed Greenland’s strategic importance.
Trump said tariffs would start at 10% on UK goods from 1 February. He said rates would rise to 25% from 1 June. He tied the policy to a deal for Washington to buy Greenland. Tariffs would remain until agreement.
The same tariffs would hit Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. All eight countries belong to Nato. European governments reacted with alarm. Officials called the move destabilising.
Asked about enforcement, Trump confirmed his intent. He said he would act without hesitation. Asked about military action, he offered no comment. He redirected criticism to Europe’s priorities.
Trump urged Europe to focus on the war involving Russia and Ukraine. He dismissed attention on Greenland as misplaced. He said Europe should rethink its focus. His remarks drew criticism across capitals.
Denmark Warns of Nato Fallout
Denmark warned US military action in Greenland would end Nato. European allies publicly supported Greenland. Some sent small troop contingents. Analysts described the moves as symbolic.
Trump followed that support with the tariff announcement. Critics highlighted the timing. Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged restraint. He said tariff threats cannot resolve disputes.
“We have red lines that cannot be crossed,” Rasmussen told Sky News. Threats cannot force ownership of Greenland. He said he seeks no escalation. His remarks aimed to calm tensions.
Germany and EU Reject Escalation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said tariffs benefit nobody. He hopes to meet Trump in Davos. Leaders will attend the World Economic Forum. Merz warned against a trade conflict.
“We do not want escalation,” Merz said. Germany wants cooperation with Washington. He also addressed Nato reconnaissance flights. Officials announced and approved the missions beforehand.
Merz said the flights never involved military action. He said US officials knew about the operation. He rejected claims of provocation. Germany called for dialogue.
The EU will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday. Leaders will discuss responses to Trump’s Greenland threat. They will consider diplomatic and economic measures. The meeting reflects growing concern.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc seeks no confrontation. She said Europe will defend its principles. She rejected trade threats as a solution. Sovereignty cannot be traded.
Nordic Tensions Rise
Released texts showed Trump criticising Norway over the Nobel Peace Prize. He blamed Norway for not awarding him the prize. The messages became public Sunday. They added to diplomatic strain.
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre responded. An independent committee awards the prize. The government holds no control. The committee honoured María Corina Machado last October.
Støre reaffirmed Norway’s stance on Greenland. He said Greenland belongs to Denmark. Norway fully supports Denmark. His statement reinforced Nordic unity.
Trump later dismissed the explanation in an interview. He claimed Norway controls the prize process. His remarks drew criticism. Norwegian officials rejected the claim.
Meanwhile, Norad announced aircraft movements to Greenland on Monday. Planes headed to Pituffik Space Base. Norad said the mission supports long-planned activities. Officials confirmed coordination with Denmark and Greenland.
Norad said similar operations occurred in 2022, 2023, and last year. Officials stressed the flights remain routine. They denied any new military intent. The announcement aimed to reassure allies.
