WASHINGTON / COPENHAGEN: US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose trade tariffs on countries that do not support his plans to take over Greenland, part of the autonomous territory of Denmark.
Read More: US control of Greenland ‘vital’, Trump insists
Speaking at a White House health roundtable, Trump said, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.” He compared the potential tariffs to those threatened on France and Germany last year over pharmaceutical products. The president has argued that Greenland’s mineral resources are critical to US security and has accused Denmark of not doing enough to protect the island from rivals Russia and China.
Trump meanwhile has put tariffs on anyone against his crusade to occupy Greenland! Sorry Keir Starmer, Looks like the “corner” you turned is into a dead alleyway given prices will go up because of Trump’s tariffs and you daring to defend a NATO country pic.twitter.com/8zyJVSF7t6
— Matthew Caddis (@MatthewCaddis) January 17, 2026
In response, European nations have expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. A bipartisan US congressional delegation arrived in Copenhagen on Friday to voice support for the territory, meeting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin emphasised that Trump’s statements do not represent the American people, saying, “Congress would never approve of a military action in Greenland.”
Meanwhile, Denmark has reinforced military presence in Greenland, with France, Britain, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden sending personnel for planned exercises. French President Emmanuel Macron said the deployments aim to “send a signal” about defending European sovereignty in the Arctic. Large demonstrations are planned across Greenland and Denmark on Saturday to protest Trump’s proposed acquisition.
Despite White House claims, the Danish government reiterated that a US acquisition of Greenland is “out of the question.” The ongoing discussions include a working group involving Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk, holding meetings every two to three weeks to address the issue.
Read More: European forces deploy to Greenland amid Trump tensions
The Greenland dispute highlights rising tensions over Arctic security, trade, and resource access, with both political and diplomatic efforts underway to prevent escalation.