US senators condemn Trump's tariff threats to European allies
Illustrative photo: Senators struggle to understand Trump's push to acquire Greenland (Getty Images)
A bipartisan group of US senators has criticized President Donald Trump for threatening tariffs on several NATO countries over Greenland, according to their statement on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee website.
The statement was issued by US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) on behalf of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group. They condemned Trump's threat to impose tariffs on the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
"They are our NATO Allies who have fought beside us, died alongside us, and have made America safer and more prosperous," the statement reads.
The senators emphasized that the US does not need to pay huge sums to purchase Greenland or seize the island militarily. Denmark and Greenland are already willing to cooperate with the US on Arctic security and other priorities.
"When we reconvene with our Senate colleagues, we will convey the perspectives shared by Danish and Greenlandic officials, as well as from the indigenous people who live the realities of Greenland every day," the statement added.
The senators warned that Trump's insistence on seizing Greenland is "bad for America" and that tariff threats would primarily affect American businesses. They noted that such rhetoric would only please Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
"Our allies deserve better, and so do the American people who have made their opposition to this flawed policy resoundingly clear. At a time when many Americans are already concerned about the cost of living, these tariffs would raise prices for both families and businesses. We urge the administration to turn off the threats and turn on diplomacy," the senators concluded.
Trump threatens tariffs
On January 17, Trump promised tariffs on goods from European allies. The tariffs would affect several countries and remain in place until the US is allowed to buy Greenland back.
Starting February 1, 2026, a 10% tariff will be imposed on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the UK (these countries are already subject to previously introduced tariffs). If Greenland is not acquired by the US by June 1, 2026, tariffs will increase to 25%.
Following Trump's announcement, European leaders responded, saying they were prepared to coordinate a joint response. The EU also plans to halt implementation of a trade agreement with the US, as Brussels no longer sees prospects for it amid Trump's threats.
