A transatlantic storm is brewing as President Donald Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on eight European countries over their involvement with Greenland. In a lengthy Truth Social rant, Trump announced 10% levies starting February 1, 2026, jumping to 25% by June 1, unless Denmark agrees to relinquish the autonomous territory entirely.
Citing national security imperatives, Trump argued Greenland’s minerals and position are crucial against Sino-Russian ambitions. He ridiculed Denmark’s preparedness and touted US innovations like modern weapons and the Golden Dome, which demand Greenland’s integration for optimal defense coverage, including Canada.
Britain’s Keir Starmer responded forcefully on social media, upholding Greenland’s self-determination under Danish sovereignty and NATO’s collective Arctic defense needs. Tariffs, he said, undermine ally security and will be challenged head-on with US officials.
The Netherlands’ David van Weel focused on the military exercises’ defensive purpose, committing to a unified EU reply.
Trump’s post listed the offending nations’ Greenland visits as provocative, insisting only American leadership can secure the ‘sacred land.’ He recalled over 150 years of failed acquisition attempts by US presidents, now urgent amid billions invested in defense.
This escalation from Trump’s infamous 2019 purchase bid highlights Arctic rivalries intensifying trade weapons. Europe’s prompt unity—led by the UK and Netherlands—foreshadows retaliatory measures, potentially straining NATO and global commerce as negotiations loom.