Donald Trump said he will impose tariffs on European countries opposing his Greenland demand. He vowed to act “100%” on the threat. European allies immediately defended Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark said no leader can pressure ownership of the territory.
Denmark’s foreign minister rejected any attempt at coercion. He said Greenland’s status will not change. He stressed the territory remains within the Danish kingdom. European leaders echoed that stance in coordinated statements.
European Allies Stand Firm on Sovereignty
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s position. She said only Greenlanders and Denmark can decide Greenland’s future. She rejected outside interference. Other Nato allies delivered similar messages.
On Monday, Trump declined to rule out force. He insisted tariffs would proceed regardless. The measures would target the UK and seven Nato partners. His comments sharpened diplomatic tensions.
Tariffs Framed as Leverage in Security Dispute
Early Tuesday, Trump described a call with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte. He said the discussion went very well. He said leaders agreed to meet in Switzerland this week. He again highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance.
Trump said tariffs would begin at 10% on UK goods from 1 February. He said rates would rise to 25% from 1 June. He linked the policy to a deal for Washington to buy Greenland. He said tariffs would remain until agreement.
The same tariffs would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. All eight countries belong to Nato. European governments expressed alarm. Officials described the move as destabilising.
Asked about enforcement, Trump confirmed his intent. He said he would proceed without hesitation. Asked about military action, he declined to comment. He shifted criticism toward Europe’s priorities.
Trump urged Europe to focus on the war involving Russia and Ukraine. He dismissed attention on Greenland as misplaced. He said Europe should reassess its focus. His remarks triggered criticism across capitals.
Denmark Warns of Alliance Breakdown
Denmark warned that US military action in Greenland would end Nato. European allies publicly backed Greenland in recent days. Some sent small troop deployments. Analysts described the moves as symbolic.
Trump followed that support with the tariff announcement. Critics highlighted the timing. Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged restraint. He said tariff threats cannot resolve disputes.
“We have red lines that cannot be crossed,” Rasmussen told Sky News. He said threats cannot force ownership of Greenland. He said he seeks no escalation. His remarks aimed to cool tensions.
Germany and EU Push Back Against Trade Threats
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said tariffs benefit no one. He said he hopes to meet Trump in Davos. Leaders will attend the World Economic Forum there. Merz warned against a trade conflict.
“We do not want escalation,” Merz said. He said Germany wants cooperation with Washington. He also addressed recent Nato reconnaissance flights. He said officials announced and approved them beforehand.
Merz said the flights never involved military action. He said US officials knew about the mission. He rejected claims of provocation. Germany called for dialogue.
The European Union will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday. Leaders will discuss responses to Trump’s Greenland threat. They will review diplomatic and economic options. The meeting reflects growing concern.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc seeks no confrontation. She said Europe will defend its principles. She rejected trade threats as a solution. She said sovereignty cannot become a bargaining tool.
Nordic Tensions Rise Amid Military Movements
Released text exchanges showed Trump criticising Norway over the Nobel Peace Prize. He blamed Norway for not awarding him the prize. The messages became public on Sunday. They added diplomatic strain.
Norwegian prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre responded directly. He said an independent committee awards the prize. He said the government holds no control. The committee honoured María Corina Machado last October.
Støre reaffirmed Norway’s stance on Greenland. He said Greenland belongs to Denmark. He said Norway fully supports Denmark. His message reinforced Nordic unity.
Trump later dismissed that explanation in an interview. He claimed Norway controls the prize process. His remarks drew criticism. Norwegian officials rejected the claim.
Meanwhile, Norad announced aircraft movements to Greenland on Monday. Planes headed to Pituffik Space Base. Norad said the mission supports long-planned activities. Officials confirmed coordination with Denmark and Greenland.
Norad said similar operations occurred in 2022, 2023, and last year. Officials stressed the flights remain routine. They denied any new military intent. The announcement aimed to reassure allies.
