Trump Refuses to Set Limits on Greenland Push, Threatens Tariffs on European States
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to specify how far Washington is prepared to go in pursuing control over Greenland, responding “you’ll find out” when pressed by reporters during a White House briefing marking his first year in office. His remarks underscored escalating tensions between the United States and Europe, as he renewed pressure on Greenland citing security concerns and stepped up tariff threats against European allies.
Trump announced the imposition of 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries until an agreement is reached for what he described as “the complete and total purchase of Greenland.” The measures target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, with the levies set to rise to 25% by June if no deal is reached, significantly raising the stakes in transatlantic relations.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, has drawn Trump’s attention because of its strategic location in the Arctic, vast mineral resources, and what he claims are growing Russian and Chinese activities in the region. Both Copenhagen and Nuuk have categorically rejected any proposal involving a transfer of the territory, firmly reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenland’s right to determine its own future.
