Germany may raise rent for US military bases in response to Trump's tariffs
Germany may raise rent for US military bases (photo: wikipedia.org)
Germany has come up with a way to respond to the possible introduction of new 10% tariffs by US President Donald Trump, reportedly over alleged obstruction of Greenland's acquisition, The Times reports.
According to The Times, the German government is ready to significantly increase the rent it charges the United States for military bases in Germany.
In addition, the publication reports that Berlin officials were shocked by reports suggesting that they could push US troops out of some American bases on German territory, such as Ramstein and Stuttgart, which are essential for Washington's power projection in Africa and the Middle East.
One source cited by The Times denied that this was possible, but said Germany could substantially raise the rent it charges for the use of these facilities.
It also remains unlikely that individual European countries would block America's access to key resources in their economies, such as Danish insulin, Finnish icebreakers, or Dutch microchip manufacturing technologies.
Background
US President Donald Trump previously said he would impose tariffs against several European countries until Washington could buy Greenland. The tariffs would be increased in two stages.
According to him, starting February 1, 2026, a 10% tariff would be imposed on all goods shipped to the United States from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
On June 1, 2026, the tariff would increase to 25%. This tariff would remain in effect until an agreement is reached on the complete and absolute purchase of Greenland.
Trump added that the United States has been trying to carry out such a deal for more than 150 years, but Denmark has always refused. He claims that in connection with the Golden Dome missile defense system and other offensive and defensive weapons, the need to acquire the island is critical.
