Donald Trump has vowed to fully impose tariffs on European countries opposing his demand over Greenland. He said he would “100%” follow through on the threat. European allies quickly rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark stressed that the US president cannot coerce ownership of the territory.
Denmark’s foreign minister rejected any pressure tactics from Washington. He said Greenland’s status remains non-negotiable. He described the territory as a semi-autonomous part of the Danish kingdom. European leaders echoed that stance in public statements.
Allies Reject Pressure on Greenland
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper repeated Britain’s long-standing position. She said only Greenlanders and Denmark can decide Greenland’s future. She underlined that external pressure has no role. Other allies issued similar messages of support.
On Monday, Trump refused to rule out force during questioning. He insisted tariffs would proceed against the UK and seven Nato allies. He framed the move as leverage to achieve his goal. The comments heightened tensions across the alliance.
Tariff Threats and Diplomatic Signals
Early Tuesday, Trump posted on Truth Social about a call with Nato chief Mark Rutte. He described the call as very good. He said they agreed to meet with several parties in Switzerland this week. He then repeated his view that Greenland holds critical global security importance.
Trump said tariffs would begin at 10% on UK goods from 1 February. He said rates would rise to 25% from 1 June without a deal. He linked the measures to Washington purchasing Greenland from Denmark. He said the policy would remain until an agreement emerged.
The same tariffs would hit Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. All eight countries belong to Nato. The alliance was founded in 1949. The announcement shocked European capitals.
Asked directly about enforcing the tariffs, Trump confirmed his intent. He told NBC News he would act without hesitation. When asked about seizing Greenland by force, he declined to answer. He instead shifted focus to Europe’s security priorities.
Trump urged Europe to concentrate on the war involving Russia and Ukraine. He said Greenland should not distract leaders. He argued Europe’s current focus produced poor results. He framed the issue as misplaced attention.
Europe Warns of Serious Consequences
Denmark warned that US military action in Greenland would shatter Nato. European allies publicly backed Greenland in recent days. Some nations sent small troop contingents to Greenland. Observers described the move as symbolic.
Trump followed that deployment with the tariff announcement. The timing drew sharp criticism. Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen urged restraint. He said tariff threats cannot resolve disputes.
“We have red lines that cannot be crossed,” Rasmussen told Sky News. He said threats cannot force ownership of Greenland. He added that he had no intention to escalate tensions. His remarks aimed to calm the standoff.
Germany and EU Call for De-Escalation
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said tariffs benefit no one. He expressed hope for talks with Trump in Davos. Leaders will gather there for the World Economic Forum. Merz said Germany wants to avoid a trade conflict.
“We do not want escalation,” Merz said. He stressed Germany seeks cooperation with Washington. He also addressed Nato reconnaissance flights over the weekend. He said officials announced and approved the mission beforehand.
Merz said the flights never constituted military action. He said the Trump administration knew about the operation. His comments aimed to dispel fears of provocation. Germany pushed for calm dialogue.
The European Union will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday. Leaders will discuss responses to Trump’s Greenland threat. Officials will consider economic and diplomatic options. The meeting signals growing concern.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc seeks no confrontation. She said Europe will still defend its principles. She rejected trade threats as a solution. She said sovereignty cannot become a bargaining chip.
Nordic Tensions and Military Movements
Released text exchanges showed Trump criticizing Norway over the Nobel Peace Prize. He blamed Norway for his failure to receive the award. The messages became public on Sunday. They added another layer to diplomatic strain.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre replied in the exchange. He explained that an independent committee awards the prize. He said the Norwegian government holds no control. The committee awarded the prize last October to María Corina Machado.
Støre reaffirmed Norway’s position on Greenland. He said Greenland belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. He said Norway fully supports Denmark on the issue. His message reinforced Nordic unity.
Trump later addressed the messages in his interview. He claimed Norway controls the Nobel process. He dismissed official explanations. His remarks drew criticism in Norway.
Meanwhile, Norad announced aircraft movements to Greenland on Monday. The planes headed to Pituffik Space Base. Norad said the mission supports long-planned activities. Officials stressed coordination with Denmark and Greenland’s government.
Norad said the operation followed routine procedures. Similar missions occurred in 2022, 2023, and last year. Officials said the flights carry no new military intent. The announcement aimed to reassure allies amid rising tensions.
