Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland
President Trump wants to buy Greenland from Denmark.
He says it's important for the US because of its location and resources.
Denmark and other European countries don't want to sell it.
Trump is threatening to put extra taxes (tariffs) on goods from these countries if they don't agree to the sale.
The tariffs start at 10% in February and will go up to 25% in June if no deal is made.
People in Greenland and Denmark are protesting because they don't want the US to take over their island.
NATO countries have sent soldiers to Greenland to show support for Denmark.
Trump says China and Russia also want Greenland, but Denmark can't protect it alone.
He believes the US is the only country that can keep Greenland safe.
Denmark and its allies see the NATO presence as a defensive measure against potential threats, including from Russia.
US President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries starting February 1, 2026, increasing to 25% on June 1, 2026, unless they agree to the US purchasing Greenland.
The affected countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Trump argues that Greenland is vital to US security due to its strategic location and mineral deposits, and has not ruled out using force to take it.
NATO countries deployed 37 military personnel to Greenland in a mission called Arctic Endurance, with Denmark planning a larger, more permanent NATO presence.
Protests occurred in Greenland and Denmark against Trump's demands, with people calling for Greenland to determine its own future.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, NATO countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, UK, Netherlands), Greenlanders and Danes
- What
- US threats to impose tariffs on European countries over Greenland and potential US takeover of the island
- When
- Announced on January 17, 2026; tariffs to start February 1, 2026, and increase to 25% on June 1, 2026
- Where
- Greenland and Denmark
- Why
- US seeks control of Greenland for strategic and security reasons; NATO deployment seen as a provocation by the US
- Tariff Start Date
- February 1, 2026
- Initial Tariff Rate
- 10%
- Increased Tariff Rate
- 25%
- Tariff Increase Date
- June 1, 2026
- Countries Affected
- Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Finland
- US Presence in Greenland
- 140–150 personnel at Pituffik Space Base
- Greenland Population
- About 57,000
- US Justification
- Strategic location and mineral deposits
- Protests
- Hundreds marched in Nuuk and Copenhagen
Sources
NATO's Greenland defence sees symbolic troop deployment, not a fighting force
Protesters rally in Denmark and Greenland against Trump annexation threat
Trump imposes 10% Greenland-related tariffs on eight European nations from 1 Feb, rising to 25% from 1 June
Trump Imposes 10% Tariff On Denmark, UK, France For Opposing Greenland Plan
Hundreds March in Greenland to Support Arctic Island in the Face of Trump’s Threats to Take It Over
‘World peace is at stake’: Trump escalates Greenland push with 25% tariff threat on NATO allies
Trump says 8 European countries to face 10% US tariff from Feb 1
Trump threats 10% tariff on UK, France, Germany and other European countries over Greenland, warns of 25% hike
'World Peace At Stake': Trump Announces 10% Tariffs On 8 Countries Over Greenland
Trump’s Greenland Gambit: 10% Tariff Imposed on Denmark, UK, France For Opposing Plan
Full list of European countries that Donald Trump slapped tariffs on to fulfil his Greenland takeover plan
Trump imposes 10% tariff on UK, France, Denmark other European countries for opposing US control of Greenland
Trump vows tariffs on eight European nations over Greenland
Greenland row escalates as Trump announces 10% tariffs on eight European countries
Greenland or Tariffs! Trump threatens Denmark, allies for “Complete & Total Purchase”
Trump announces tariffs on European nations including Denmark, France for opposing his Greenland take over bid
Macron says Trump tariff threat over Greenland unacceptable
Trump tariffs news LIVE: European Union considering its response to US tariffs linked to Greenland, EU summit chair says
Trump slaps tariffs on 8 European nations over ‘dangerous game’ on Greenland takeover plan: Full statement
Macron calls Trump’s Greenland tariff threat unacceptable, vows European unity
'No Intimidation Or Threat Will Influence Us': Macron Slams Trump's Tariffs On 8 NATO Allies Over Support For Greenland
Trump Says 8 European Countries Will Face 10% Tariff For Opposing US Control of Greenland
'Denmark Is a Tiny Country With Tiny Military': Stephen Miller Says US Must Own Greenland As Danes Can't Defend It
'Downward Spiral' Ahead: EU Leaders Slam Trump's Tariffs Over Greenland, Call Emergency Meeting
'World Peace At Stake': Trump Says US Open To Negotiations With Denmark Over Greenland Plan
Trump’s Greenland tariff blow to Europe a wake-up call for India
France's Macron seeks EU action under anti-coercion instrument against Trump tariffs: Report
Nordic and European nations express solidarity with Denmark and Greenland
