US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose escalating tariffs on eight European countries in a move he explicitly linked to Washington’s long-standing ambition to acquire Greenland, sharply escalating tensions between the United States and its NATO allies.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump said a 10 percent tariff would take effect on February 1 against Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
He added that the tariffs would rise to 25 percent on June 1 and remain in force until an agreement is reached allowing the United States to purchase Greenland, the semi-autonomous Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty.
Trump accused European governments of playing what he described as a dangerous game over Greenland, warning that global stability was at stake. He argued that Denmark was unable to secure the island on its own and claimed that both China and Russia were seeking greater influence there, framing US control as a matter of international security.
The announcement comes days after Denmark and several European NATO members deployed additional forces to Greenland, citing the need to strengthen Arctic security amid rising geopolitical competition. European leaders have repeatedly stressed that decisions regarding Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory’s own authorities.
France reacted swiftly, with President Emmanuel Macron rejecting the tariff threat as unacceptable and warning that Europe would respond in a coordinated manner if the measures are confirmed. He said Europe would not yield to intimidation, whether over Greenland, Ukraine or any other issue affecting European sovereignty.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the tariff threat linked to Greenland was unexpected, reiterating that the military presence on the island is aimed solely at reinforcing Arctic security. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also dismissed Trump’s remarks, stating that Sweden would not submit to pressure and emphasizing that only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide the territory’s future.
Kristersson added that Sweden is holding intensive talks with other European Union members, as well as Norway and the United Kingdom, to formulate a unified response. The dispute underscores growing transatlantic strains over trade, security and Arctic geopolitics, as Greenland’s strategic location and mineral resources increasingly draw global attention.
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