On January 17, Donald Trump threatened eight NATO countries, including Denmark, with tariffs if they refused to let the United States buy Greenland. He said the tariffs would start at 10% on February 1 and rise to 25% on June 1 if no deal was reached.
Europe was not impressed.
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland issued a joint statement blasting Trump’s move as “dangerous” to transatlantic relations.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” the statement said. “We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
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Trump also criticized NATO troops recently sent to Greenland for exercises requested by Danish officials. He claimed their presence made the Arctic “very dangerous” and suggested Europe was putting the planet at risk.
European leaders were quick to respond.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariffs “unacceptable” and promised that Europe would respond in a “united and coordinated manner” if they were enforced. He added, “No intimidation or threat will influence us — neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.”
Back in Denmark, protests erupted over Trump’s Arctic ambitions. Thousands marched in Copenhagen and in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, waving flags and holding banners reading, “Greenland is not for sale” and “Hands off Greenland.”
The demonstrations were not only about Trump’s threats. They were about democracy and self-rule. Uagut, a Greenlandic organization, said the protests aimed to defend “Greenland’s democracy and fundamental human rights.”
Trump has long framed Greenland as a prize for the United States. He argues the island’s strategic location and mineral resources make it too important to remain under Danish control. But European leaders and experts disagree, pointing out that Greenland is already covered by NATO’s defense network and that Denmark has long ensured Arctic security.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
