European Leaders Decry Trump’s Tariff Threat Over Greenland Acquisition

A recent warning from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs on eight nations opposing his Greenland acquisition plan has sparked outrage among European leaders.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the action as “outrageous,” while French President Emmanuel Macron labeled it “intolerable.” These remarks followed Trump’s declaration of a 10% tariff on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, set to take effect on February 1. He indicated these tariffs could escalate to 25% and remain until a resolution is reached.

Trump argues that the autonomous region of Greenland is essential for U.S. national security, hinting he might consider military action to secure it.

In reaction to Trump’s threats, the European Union convened an urgent meeting at 17:00 in Brussels (16:00 GMT) on Sunday, gathering ambassadors from the bloc’s 27 member countries.

Additionally, thousands demonstrated in both Greenland and Denmark on Saturday, expressing their opposition to the potential U.S. takeover.

Despite its sparse population, Greenland is rich in resources and strategically located between North America and the Arctic, making it valuable for missile defense systems and maritime monitoring.

Trump has previously suggested that the U.S. could acquire the territory “the easy way” or “the hard way.” European nations have united in support of Denmark, asserting that Arctic security is a collective responsibility of NATO.

Countries including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the UK have sent a limited number of troops to Greenland as part of a reconnaissance mission.

Trump announced the tariff plans via his Truth Social platform, accusing the nations of engaging in “a very risky game.” He emphasized that the tariffs are about the “Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.” The proposed 10% duty on exports to the U.S. would increase to 25% in June and remain until a deal for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is finalized.

Starmer responded, asserting, “Imposing tariffs on allies who are enhancing NATO collective security is entirely inappropriate. We will certainly address this with the U.S. administration directly.”

Opposition leaders in the UK also criticized Trump’s tariff announcement. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it a “poor decision,” while Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a Trump supporter, remarked that the tariffs would be detrimental to the UK.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described Trump’s actions as “irrational,” but emphasized the importance of the UK’s response. Green Party member Ellie Chowns accused the U.S. President of treating international relations like a schoolyard, attempting to intimidate other nations into compliance with his imperialistic goals.

Macron insisted, “Tariff threats are unacceptable… We will not yield to intimidation.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson added, “We refuse to be coerced.”

“Sweden is currently engaged in extensive discussions with other EU nations, Norway, and the UK to formulate a unified response,” he continued.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen remarked on X, stating that “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are cornerstones of international law.” She cautioned that tariffs would jeopardize transatlantic relations and could lead to a perilous downward spiral.

Trump is expected to meet von der Leyen and other European leaders, including Macron, at the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, noted that “China and Russia must be reveling in this situation,” suggesting they benefit from discord among allies. She expressed her sentiments on X.

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, affirmed that the EU will firmly uphold international law, which begins with the territorial integrity of its member states.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen remarked that the threats were unexpected.

German MEP Manfred Weber, leader of the conservative EPP group in the European Parliament, stated that Trump’s actions have raised doubts about the pending EU-U.S. trade agreement established last year.

The agreement included a U.S. tariff of 15% on all EU goods and a commitment from the EU to open markets to U.S. products with 0% tariffs on select items.

Weber expressed, “The EPP supports the EU-U.S. trade deal, but due to Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, we cannot approve it at this time. The 0% tariffs on U.S. goods should be suspended.”

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz countered by stating that Denmark “lacks the resources or capability to manage the northern region effectively.” He claimed on Fox News that life for Greenlanders would be “safer, stronger, and more prosperous under U.S. oversight.”

Trump has often expressed a fondness for the term “tariff,” viewing it as a blunt tool to persuade or compel countries to align with U.S. interests.

This latest announcement marks a notable escalation in Trump’s renewed efforts to procure Greenland, despite widespread opposition.

The reasons behind the tariff declaration remain unclear, having been hinted at by Trump during a press conference at the White House on Friday.

While Trump has previously mentioned various options, including possible military intervention, this announcement followed a recent agreement between U.S. and Danish officials to establish a high-level working group tasked with discussing the island’s future.

This diplomatic development had been perceived by many as the best-case scenario for Denmark and its European allies, likely postponing any further escalation from the U.S. administration.

In contrast, the newly imposed tariffs have intensified the urgency of the matter and strained relations with crucial NATO allies and trading partners.

Gregory Meeks, the leading Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, stated he plans to introduce a resolution aimed at immediately terminating these “illegal and outrageous tariffs.”

He remarked, “Trump is creating a foreign crisis and undermining our closest alliance, all while disregarding the real issues that matter to the American public, such as affordability.”

Polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders oppose the territory’s annexation by the U.S.

Protests against Trump’s takeover intentions occurred in Danish urban centers as well as Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, prior to the tariff announcement.

In Copenhagen, demonstrators displayed signs declaring: “Hands Off Greenland” and “Greenland for Greenlanders.”

Camilla Siezing, leader of Inuit, a coalition of Greenlandic organizations, stated, “We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination.”

In Nuuk, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen participated in protests alongside demonstrators wielding signs that read “Greenland is not for sale” and “we shape our future,” as they marched towards the U.S. consulate.

The protests coincided with a visit to Copenhagen by a U.S. congressional delegation, whose leader, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, characterized Trump’s rhetoric as “unproductive.”