Trump Vows Tariffs on Countries Opposing Greenland Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday warned that he could impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support his vision for U.S. control over Greenland, escalating rhetoric that has already triggered diplomatic friction with Denmark and unease across Europe.

Trump reiterated that the United States needs Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory rich in minerals, for what he described as “national security reasons,” adding that countries standing in the way of that objective could face trade penalties. His comments were met with firm rejection from Copenhagen.

The remarks came as a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Congress arrived in the Danish capital for a two-day visit aimed at reaffirming support for Denmark and Greenland. Members of the delegation stressed that Trump’s territorial ambitions do not reflect the views of the American people.

European officials have also voiced support for Greenland, alongside increased military coordination in the Arctic. A Danish military commander confirmed that Washington had been invited to take part in a reconnaissance mission linked to preparations for potential Russian activity in the region following the war in Ukraine.

The visiting U.S. lawmakers held meetings with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, senior Danish ministers, parliamentary officials and business leaders.

Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said there had been “good dialogue,” emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between the United States, Denmark and Greenland. She added that “the overwhelming majority of Americans do not believe acquiring Greenland is a good idea,” stressing that “Greenland should be treated as an ally, not an asset.”

The congressional visit follows talks in Washington earlier this week, during which Danish officials acknowledged a “fundamental disagreement” with the United States over Greenland’s future.

Democratic Senator Chris Coons said the delegation’s goal was to “listen respectfully to our trusted friends and allies in Denmark and Greenland” and to convey their perspectives back to Washington in hopes of lowering tensions and encouraging more constructive dialogue.

In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, residents welcomed the show of congressional support. One 39-year-old union representative told AFP that “Congress would never approve any military action in Greenland,” dismissing Trump’s remarks as “coming from one foolish individual.”

Trump has repeatedly criticized Denmark, an ally within NATO, arguing that it does not do enough to guarantee Greenland’s security, despite the island being covered by the alliance’s defense umbrella.

Danish Major General Søren Andersen, head of the country’s Joint Arctic Command, said the United States had been invited to participate in the Arctic military mission, noting that it is “linked to Russia.”

“After the war in Ukraine ends, we expect Russia to redirect military resources to other regions, including the Arctic,” Andersen said. “That means we must prepare and train.”

He added that he had not observed any Russian or Chinese warships in the area over the past two and a half years.

Denmark has increased its military presence in Nuuk, while several European countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Finland and Sweden, have announced plans to deploy limited forces as part of future Arctic exercises.

Large demonstrations are expected on Saturday in Denmark and Greenland in protest of Trump’s proposals. Calls for protests in Nuuk, Copenhagen and other Danish cities have gained significant traction on social media, signaling growing public opposition to the idea of U.S. control over the Arctic island.