Trump Vows to Enforce Greenland Tariffs as Europe Pushes Back, Defending Sovereignty
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial stance over Greenland, vowing to “100%” impose sweeping tariffs on European nations that oppose his demand for the United States to take control of the strategically located Arctic territory. The declaration has intensified diplomatic tensions across Europe, prompting firm resistance from NATO allies and the European Union, which insist that Greenland’s sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Speaking in an interview with NBC News, Trump confirmed he would fully follow through on his tariff threats against the United Kingdom and seven other NATO member states unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to Washington. When asked directly whether the tariffs would be enforced, Trump responded unequivocally: “I will, 100%.”
European leaders have swiftly united in defense of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, firmly rejected Trump’s approach, stressing that no country can use threats or economic pressure to claim ownership of another territory.
“We have red lines that cannot be crossed,” Rasmussen told Sky News. “You cannot threaten your way to ownership of Greenland. I have no intention of escalating this situation.”
The United Kingdom echoed this position, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterating that Greenland’s future is a matter solely for its people and Denmark to decide. “The future of Greenland is for Greenlanders and for the Danes alone,” she said, underscoring Britain’s commitment to international law and territorial integrity.
Despite mounting criticism, Trump has framed his position as a matter of global security. In a post on his Truth Social platform early Tuesday, he revealed that he had held what he described as a “very good telephone call” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump announced plans for a multilateral meeting in Switzerland later this week, involving “various parties,” to further discuss the issue.
“Greenland is imperative for National and World Security,” Trump wrote. “There can be no going back, on that, everyone agrees!”
Under Trump’s proposed measures, the UK would face a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the United States starting 1 February, rising sharply to 25% from 1 June if no agreement is reached. The same tariff regime would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, all NATO allies.
When questioned about the possibility of using military force to seize Greenland, Trump declined to rule it out, responding with a terse “no comment.” He also dismissed European objections, urging leaders to focus instead on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “That’s what Europe should focus on, not Greenland,” he said.
The prospect of U.S. military action has alarmed European governments. Danish officials have warned that any such move would effectively signal the collapse of NATO. In recent days, several European allies have shown symbolic support for Greenland by deploying small contingents of troops to the region, a move widely seen as a gesture of solidarity rather than a military escalation.
Trump responded to those deployments by announcing the tariffs, further heightening tensions.
Germany’s Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, cautioned against escalation, stating that trade wars benefit no one. Speaking ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Merz said he hoped to meet Trump to ease tensions. “We do not want a trade dispute with the United States of America,” he said, adding that recent NATO reconnaissance activity in Greenland had been pre-approved and was “never a military action.”
The European Union has scheduled an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, where leaders will deliberate on a collective response to Trump’s latest threats. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas struck a measured but firm tone, stating that while the bloc does not seek confrontation, it will defend its principles.
“We have no interest in picking a fight, but we will hold our ground,” Kallas said. “Trade threats are not the way to go about this. Sovereignty is not for trade.”
Further controversy emerged following the release of text messages between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In the exchange, Trump blamed Norway for his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Støre clarified that the prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government, and reaffirmed Norway’s full support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.
Trump dismissed the explanation, claiming Norway “totally controls” the Nobel process despite official denials.
Meanwhile, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced that multiple aircraft were en route to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland as part of routine, long-planned operations. NORAD emphasized that the activities were coordinated with Denmark and that Greenland’s government had been informed, noting similar operations had taken place in previous years.
As diplomatic pressure mounts,
Trump’s unwavering stance has pushed Greenland to the center of an escalating geopolitical dispute, one that now threatens to reshape transatlantic relations, disrupt global trade, and test the unity of NATO itself.
