Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland Control
Donald Trump wants the US to control Greenland because he thinks it's important for security.
He said Denmark hasn't done enough to protect Greenland from Russia.
To make Denmark agree to sell Greenland, Trump said the US will put taxes on things they sell to the US.
If Denmark doesn't agree by June, the taxes will get much higher.
Denmark and other countries are surprised and upset by this.
The US already has a military base in Greenland, but Trump wants more control.
He also said he's not as focused on peace because he didn't get a big award called the Nobel Peace Prize.
Other countries are planning to put taxes on US goods if Trump follows through with his plan.
The EU is America's biggest trading partner, so these taxes could cause big problems for both sides.
Donald Trump proposed a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark and other European countries, escalating to 25% by June if no deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
Trump linked his claims on Greenland to not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, stating he no longer feels an obligation to prioritize peace.
Denmark and European leaders expressed surprise and concern over the proposed tariffs, warning of potential damage to transatlantic relations.
The European Union is planning countermeasures worth €93 billion ($100 billion) on American goods in retaliation for Trump's tariff threats.
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, with the US maintaining a military presence at the Pituffik Space Base.
- Who
- Donald Trump, Denmark, European Union, NATO allies
- What
- Trump proposes tariffs on European goods to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland, citing national security concerns and a perceived Nobel Peace Prize snub
- When
- January 19, 2026
- Where
- Greenland, Denmark, Norway, European Union
- Why
- Trump claims Greenland is critical to US national security and that Denmark has failed to address Russian threats to the region
United States
European Union
Tariffs on European Goods
United States
The US proposes a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark and other European countries, escalating to 25% by June if no deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
European Union
The EU plans countermeasures worth €93 billion ($100 billion) on American goods in retaliation for Trump's tariff threats.
Greenland's Sovereignty
United States
The US claims Greenland is critical to national security and that Denmark has failed to address Russian threats to the region.
European Union
The EU and its leaders express commitment to upholding the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark.
- Key Figures
- Donald Trump, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- Date
- January 19, 2026
- Location
- Greenland, Denmark, Norway, European Union
- Initial Tariff Rate
- 10%
- Escalated Tariff Rate
- 25%
- Potential Deal Deadline
- June 1, 2026
- Greenland Population
- 57,000
- US Military Presence
- Pituffik Space Base
- EU Retaliation Measures
- €93 billion ($108 billion) worth of American goods
- EU's Share of US Imports (2025)
- 18.7%
- EU's Share of US Exports (2025)
- 19%
Sources
'Now It's Time': Trump Says NATO Warned Denmark For 20 Years Over Russian Threat To Greenland
What Is The EU’s ‘Trade Bazooka’? Macron Pushes Anti-Coercion Weapon Against US Tariffs
$100 billion tariffs on US goods: That’s what Europe is planning in retaliation for Trump's Greenland tariff threat. There could be more...
‘No obligation to think purely of peace’: Trump cites Nobel snub, justifies push for US control of Greenland
European stock markets crash up to 2% amid Trump’s fresh tariff warning over Greenland — France's CAC 40 index worst hit
Trump Links Greenland Threats To Nobel Peace Prize Snub
Europe’s ‘mice’ must find their inner tigers to roar back as Trump turns tariffs into weapons over Greenland
'Will not be blackmailed’: Europe readies economic countermeasures to Trump’s Greenland tariff ultimatum
No Nobel, no peace? Trump links Greenland takeover push to snub in letter to Norway PM
Europe will not be blackmailed, ministers say, anti-coercion move an option
Germany and France ‘will not be blackmailed’ with US tariff threat, finance ministers say
Trump links Greenland threat to Nobel Peace Prize snub, EU eyes trade retaliation
In Trump’s drive for Greenland, NATO is roadkill
The Greenland shock: How Trump’s tariff threat to European allies rewrite the logic of alliance partner
US-EU Trade At Risk: How Trump's Greenland Tariff Threat Could Backfire
Diplomacy Or Retaliation? EU's Options Amid Tensions With US Over Greenland
Diplomacy or retaliation? EU mulls its options as tensions with US rise over Greenland
