By Emmanuel Bobby
President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States would impose a new 10% tariff on Denmark and seven other European countries, linking the move to his demand for what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
The additional countries targeted are Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. Trump said the tariffs would rise to 25% if an agreement is not reached by June 1.
“China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!”
Trump also criticized joint security exercises conducted around Greenland by Denmark and other European allies, describing them as a “very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.” He said strong measures were necessary to protect global peace and security.
The announcement marks a sharp escalation in tensions between the United States and some of its closest European allies, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic relations and NATO cooperation that has underpinned Atlantic security for decades.
The move also raises questions about existing trade agreements. The U.S. currently has a framework deal with the European Union that caps tariffs at 15%, as well as an agreement with the United Kingdom limiting tariffs to 10%. It was not immediately clear whether the newly announced duties would override those agreements or be added on top of existing rates.
The European Union is the United States’ largest trading partner and its biggest source of imports.
European leaders reacted swiftly. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa said in a joint statement that the EU “stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.” They warned that the proposed tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk triggering a dangerous downward spiral.
Costa said the EU would remain firm in defending international law and the sovereignty of its member states. Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, called the tariffs “unbelievable” and said he would push to suspend implementation of the U.S.-EU trade deal until Washington withdraws its threats. He also said the bloc should consider using its Anti-Coercion Instrument, often referred to as the EU’s “trade bazooka.”
Manfred Weber, leader of the largest party in the European Parliament, said approval of the U.S.-EU trade agreement should be put on hold given Trump’s threats over Greenland.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said imposing tariffs on allies for pursuing collective NATO security was “completely wrong” and confirmed the UK would raise the issue directly with the U.S. administration.
Denmark said it was surprised by Trump’s announcement but emphasized that increased cooperation in the Arctic is necessary as the region becomes more strategically sensitive. The Danish foreign ministry said it was acting transparently and in close coordination with NATO allies, including the United States.
Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson rejected what he described as pressure tactics, saying, “We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” and stressed that decisions regarding Greenland rest solely with Denmark and Greenland. Germany and France said they were coordinating with EU partners on a joint response, with French President Emmanuel Macron declaring that tariff threats were unacceptable and would not influence Europe.
The dispute comes amid increased European military activity in Greenland. In recent days, European troops and military officers have arrived on the island to support joint security planning and exercises requested by Denmark.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that it was clear Trump wanted to take control of Greenland, a move he said was not in Denmark’s interest.
The tariff threat also comes as the Trump administration faces domestic pressure over cost-of-living concerns. Higher tariffs on European imports could raise prices on goods ranging from pharmaceuticals to aircraft components, with Germany being a major supplier of industrial and medical products to the U.S.
Reaction in Washington was mixed. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said Greenland is vital to U.S. national security and suggested acquiring it from Denmark could be the best option. Other lawmakers, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., criticized the tariffs as unnecessary and harmful to both American consumers and alliances. In a bipartisan statement, Tillis and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., warned the rhetoric could benefit adversaries seeking to divide NATO.
It remains unclear under what legal authority the new tariffs would be imposed. Current tariffs on the UK and EU have relied on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and the Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on whether that law allows the president to impose country-specific reciprocal tariffs.
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