President Donald Trump has launched a tariff offensive against European countries backing Denmark’s hold on Greenland, imposing 10% duties on goods from eight nations effective February 2026, escalating to 25% in June. The provocative policy, detailed in a fiery Truth Social post, pressures Denmark into selling the strategic Arctic island amid rising threats from China and Russia.
The targeted countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, and Finland—face the penalties until a complete purchase agreement materializes. Trump lambasted Denmark’s inadequate defenses, mocking their ‘two dog sleds’ and underscoring America’s pivotal role in global peace through superior military tech like the Golden Dome system.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired back on X, declaring Greenland a Danish matter and NATO Arctic security non-negotiable. He decried the tariffs as misguided punishment for allies combating Russia, promising direct confrontation with Washington.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel acknowledged the announcement, framing Greenland drills as essential for regional stability and signaling EU-wide countermeasures in consultation with partners.
Framing the dispute as a century-old US pursuit thwarted by Denmark, Trump positioned the tariffs as necessary to avert catastrophe. He accused the Europeans of risky encroachments on Greenland, endangering planetary survival, and offered immediate negotiations despite past ingratitude.
As the Arctic emerges as a new flashpoint, Trump’s gambit tests alliance loyalties. Will Europe’s solidarity hold, or will economic pressures force a reevaluation of Greenland’s fate? The coming months promise high-stakes diplomacy.
