Trump threatens 25% tariff on European countries opposing US Greenland purchase

WASHINGTON – 17 January 2026: US President Donald Trump said on Saturday he will impose steep trade penalties on a group of European countries that oppose his proposal for the United States to purchase Greenland from Denmark, with tariffs potentially rising to 25 percent by mid-2026.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his administration would begin levying duties on “any and all goods” imported into the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.

According to the post, a 10 percent tariff would take effect on February 1, 2026, with the rate set to increase to 25 percent starting June 1, 2026.

Trump said the tariffs would remain in place “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”

European Criticism

The remarks triggered sharp criticism from European leaders, who rejected both the tariff threat and Washington’s stance on Greenland.

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated France’s commitment to national sovereignty, voicing support for both Denmark and Greenland.

Writing on X, Macron said “no intimidation nor threat will influence us,” pledging a response from Europeans “in a united and coordinated manner.”

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called Trump’s tariff threat “completely wrong,” stressing that the future of Greenland must only be determined by the people of Greenland and Denmark.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the stance on the future of Greenland, saying “we will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed.”

European Council President António Costa said he is “coordinating a joint response from the European Union’s member states on this issue.”

Trump has repeatedly argued that US control of Greenland is vital for national security and has not ruled out the use of force.

While he has mentioned the possibility of purchasing the island, he has also said the United States could take control “the easy way” or “the hard way.”

Trump claims that Russia and China are seeking to expand their influence in the Arctic and insists that the US control of Greenland is necessary to prevent that.

“China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” Trump wrote in his Truth Social post.

“Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.”