In a bold escalation of his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared he will “100%” follow through on threats to impose tariffs on several European NATO allies who oppose his demand for U.S. control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory. The announcement has sparked widespread condemnation across Europe, with leaders uniting in defense of Greenland’s sovereignty and warning of damage to transatlantic relations.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a mineral-rich Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty but with significant self-governance. Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing or controlling it, citing national security concerns related to potential threats from Russia and China in the region. However, Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any sale, insisting that the island’s future belongs solely to its people and the Kingdom of Denmark.
The latest tension erupted after several European NATO members, including Denmark, sent small contingents of troops to Greenland last week for a symbolic joint exercise focused on Arctic security. Trump viewed the deployments as provocative and responded by threatening economic penalties.
In an interview with NBC News on Monday, January 19, 2026, Trump declined to rule out the use of force to acquire Greenland, responding “No comment” when asked directly. He confirmed his commitment to the tariff plan, stating, “I will, 100%.” Trump specified that starting February 1, a 10% tariff would apply to “any and all goods” imported from the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. The rate would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland.
Trump urged Europe to shift focus away from Greenland and toward supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia, arguing that the ongoing conflict has weakened the continent.
European leaders have rallied strongly against the threats. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen emphasized that “you can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland,” describing the tariffs as “not the way forward” and asserting that Europe has “red lines that can’t be crossed.” He told Sky News he had no intention of escalating the situation further.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated that Greenland’s future is for “Greenlanders and for the Danes alone” to decide. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the application of tariffs on allies “completely wrong” and warned of a potential “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic ties.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the bloc has “no interest to pick a fight, but we will hold our ground.” She added firmly, “Trade threats are not the way to go about this. Sovereignty is not for trade.”
The European Union is preparing for an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss a coordinated response. Options reportedly under consideration include retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods or activation of the EU’s Anti-Coercion Instrument, a powerful but unused tool designed to counter economic pressure from third countries.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed that the alliance would continue collaborating with Denmark and Greenland on Arctic security, despite the strains.
Adding a personal twist, leaked text exchanges between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed Trump blaming Norway for his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize (awarded last October to Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado). Trump insisted Norway “totally controls” the prize, while Støre explained that an independent committee makes the decision and reaffirmed Norway’s support for Denmark on Greenland.
Meanwhile, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced routine aircraft deployments to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on Monday, coordinated with Danish authorities and described as part of long-planned activities—similar operations occurred in previous years.
The dispute has heightened concerns about the future of NATO, with Danish officials warning that any U.S. military action in Greenland could end the alliance. Protests have erupted in Greenland and Denmark, with thousands marching under slogans like “Hands off Greenland” and waving Greenlandic flags.
As the February 1 tariff deadline approaches, the standoff risks broader economic fallout, market volatility, and further strain on the U.S.-Europe relationship at a time when unity is needed for global challenges like the war in Ukraine. European leaders appear determined to stand firm, emphasizing dialogue while protecting core principles of sovereignty and alliance solidarity.
