Trump imposes tariffs on allies over Greenland
Photo: Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump announced that he is imposing tariffs on several European countries until Washington is able to purchase Greenland. The tariffs will be increased in two stages, according to his Truth Social post.
"We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — world peace is at stake!" Trump said.
He claims that Russia and China want to seize Greenland and that Denmark supposedly cannot stop them. According to him, it currently has "two dogsleds as protection, one added recently," and that only the US can play this game successfully.
Trump also stated that no one will touch "this sacred piece of land," given that US national security is at stake. He added that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland have all made trips to Greenland for unknown purposes.
The US president believes that these countries are playing a very dangerous game and "have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable."
For this reason, Trump said, measures were taken to protect global peace and security and to resolve the situation quickly, referring to tariffs.
"Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the tariff will be increased to 25%. This tariff will be due and payable until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland," the American leader said.
Trump added that the US has been trying to make this deal for over 150 years, but Denmark has always refused. He claims that, given the Golden Dome missile defense system and other offensive and defensive weapons, acquiring the island is particularly important.
"Hundreds of billions of dollars are currently being spent on security programs having to do with the Dome, and this very brilliant, but highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this land is included in its," the White House chief explained.
In conclusion, he added that the US is ready for immediate negotiations with Denmark or representatives from the above countries "that have put so much at risk," despite what the US has already done for them.
Trump's views on Greenland
Donald Trump expressed interest in buying Greenland during his first presidential term (2017–2021). He even mentioned a price — $600 million per year for lifetime use of the island.
After returning to the White House in early 2025, Trump again raised the topic of Greenland, though discussions soon faded. However, in January 2026, the topic resurfaced amid the US operation related to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
On January 14, a meeting took place in Washington between the US and Denmark regarding Greenland. Afterward, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the talks on Greenland's future were constructive but that the US was informed of "red lines," urging them to keep a "cool head."
On January 16, the US Congress expressed readiness to use its powers to block any unilateral actions by Trump regarding Greenland.
