President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will impose new tariffs on European countries unless Denmark agrees to a deal allowing the U.S. to annex Greenland. The move escalates Trump’s long-running interest in acquiring the Arctic island, which he says is critical for national security in the face of growing Chinese and Russian interest in the region.
Trump accused European nations of benefiting from U.S. defense and trade generosity for decades without reciprocation. “Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake,” Trump wrote from Florida, warning that only the U.S. can keep Greenland from falling into hostile hands.
Beginning February 1, countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will face a 10% tariff on all goods entering the U.S. The tariff will increase to 25% by June 1 if no agreement on Greenland is reached.
Trump referred to himself as “The Tariff King” and “Mister Tariff” in photos posted online, signaling his readiness to use economic pressure to force a deal. He did not rule out alternative methods for acquiring the island if a purchase is rejected. Officials from Denmark and Greenland reiterated this week that the island is not for sale. Polling shows 85% of Greenland’s population opposes joining the U.S.
U.S. allies have responded to Trump’s remarks with symbolic military deployments to Greenland. Trump warned that such actions raise global risks and said decisive steps must be taken to avoid escalating tensions.
Trump emphasized Greenland’s importance, citing rare minerals, strategic shipping routes, and its proximity to Russia. The U.S. already maintains a base there—Pituffik Space Base—under mutual defense agreements with Denmark.
Meanwhile, Trump’s broader tariff strategy faces legal challenges. A group of states and small businesses has taken the administration to court, seeking to overturn tariffs imposed under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. If successful, the government could be forced to return over $133 billion in collected tariffs.
