Trump Threatens 25% Tariffs on European Nations Unless Greenland Purchased

President Donald Trump announced Saturday the United States will impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom, France and other European countries starting February 1, with the rate rising to 25% on June 1 unless a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase Greenland.

In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump claimed targeted nations have benefited for years from U.S. trade terms and security protection while stating “world peace is at stake” as China and Russia seek influence over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory. He specified tariffs would apply to “any and all goods” sent to the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.

Trump stated the duties would remain in place “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.” He linked the potential acquisition to U.S. national security and missile defense, writing that Greenland’s inclusion is needed for “The Golden Dome,” a highly complex system he described as critical for modern weapons operations. The president asserted the U.S. would be “immediately open to negotiation” with Denmark and other listed countries.

Trump emphasized the United States has subsidized European nations for decades without tariffs or remuneration, claiming it is now time for Denmark to “give back.” He noted China and Russia have “two dogsleds as protection” in Greenland and insisted only the U.S., under his leadership, could secure the territory. The president further claimed Danish and Nordic countries had recently traveled to Greenland for “purposes unknown,” creating a “very dangerous situation” requiring immediate action to protect global peace.

The White House did not immediately clarify tariff implementation details. European diplomats expressed surprise at the sudden threat following recent U.S.-Denmark talks, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stating the purpose of increased European troops in Greenland was to “enhance security in the Arctic.” French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump’s tariffs as unacceptable and vowed European unity in response.

Thousands marched across Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, carrying flags with slogans like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off,” while protesters emphasized small nations should not be for sale. Danish military officials confirmed no Chinese or Russian vessels have been detected near Greenland but acknowledged Danish troops would defend against U.S. aggression on Danish soil if it occurred.

Trump has repeatedly framed Greenland’s strategic value as critical to U.S. national security, asserting the territory must remain in American hands “for the safety of our planet.” The tariff threat coincides with heightened European concerns over Arctic defense and potential Russian influence, though Denmark insists Greenland’s future is decided by its own authorities.