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Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Europe by threatening a new wave of tariffs on eight European countries unless the United States is allowed to purchase Greenland, escalating a long-running and controversial geopolitical dispute.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he plans to impose escalating tariffs on eight European nations in response to their opposition to the United States purchasing Greenland. The move has sparked sharp criticism from European leaders and raised concerns about the future of transatlantic relations.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that an additional 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain would come into effect on February 1. These tariffs would rise to 25% by June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached allowing the U.S. to acquire Greenland.
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, has repeatedly rejected any suggestion of being sold. Leaders from both Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that the island is not for sale and that its people do not wish to become part of the United States.
Public opinion in the U.S. also appears largely opposed to the idea. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that fewer than 20% of Americans support acquiring Greenland.
Trump has consistently argued that Greenland is crucial to U.S. national security due to its strategic Arctic location and rich mineral resources. He has gone so far as to suggest that military force has not been ruled out—remarks that have alarmed European allies. In response, several European countries have sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark’s request.
The announcement prompted widespread backlash across Europe. Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the move as unexpected, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer openly condemned the threat, calling tariffs against NATO allies “completely wrong.”
European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa issued coordinated statements expressing full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, warning that tariffs would damage transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous escalation. Officials from Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany echoed these sentiments, insisting that trade measures should not be used in discussions over Greenland.
Cyprus, which currently holds the EU presidency, has called an emergency meeting of EU ambassadors to address the situation.
Trade experts warn that Trump’s stance could undermine existing trade agreements between the U.S., the EU, and the UK. Analysts also point out that such divisions among Western allies could benefit geopolitical rivals like China and Russia.
Within the United States, the proposal has drawn bipartisan criticism. Several senators cautioned that escalating tariffs would harm American businesses, strain alliances, and weaken NATO.
Despite the rhetoric, European analysts have urged calm, suggesting that Europe should avoid overreacting and wait to see whether the threats materialize. Still, the episode highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding U.S.–Europe relations and the broader implications for global trade and security.
