– Trump’s Greenland Tariffs Threaten European Allies
- President Donald Trump's threat too impose tariffs on European allies if they oppose his attempt to buy Greenland, calling the ultimatum "completely wrong" and "unacceptable."
- Trump announced Saturday that eight European nations would face increasing tariffs, starting at 10% on February 1 and rising to 25% on June 1, unless a deal is...
- The proposed tariffs would target Denmark, Norway, sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland.Trump stated on Truth Social that tariffs would continue "untill such time as...
European leaders condemned U.S. President Donald Trump‘s threat too impose tariffs on European allies if they oppose his attempt to buy Greenland, calling the ultimatum “completely wrong” and “unacceptable.”
Trump announced Saturday that eight European nations would face increasing tariffs, starting at 10% on February 1 and rising to 25% on June 1, unless a deal is reached for the U.S. to “buy” Greenland, which is semi-autonomous and part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The proposed tariffs would target Denmark, Norway, sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland.Trump stated on Truth Social that tariffs would continue “untill such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security is “completely wrong,” while French president Emmanuel Macron described the tariffs as “unacceptable.” Macron stated Europeans will respond in a “united and coordinated manner” and ensure European sovereignty is upheld.
European commission President Ursula von der Leyen and president of the European Council antonio Costa issued a statement Saturday expressing full solidarity with Denmark and the people of greenland. They affirmed commitment to further dialog following recent talks between Denmark, Greenland and U.S.officials, which did not result in a breakthrough.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Trump’s tariff threat came “as a surprise” following a “constructive meeting” with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The European Union has called an emergency meeting for 16:00 p.m. London time on Sunday.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb, known for a good relationship with Trump, called for calm and further talks, warning that additional tariffs – on top of existing levies – would be damaging. “Among allies, issues are best resolved thru discussion, not through pressure,” he said. “European countries stand united. We emphasize the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Dialogue with the United States continues. Tariffs would undermine the transatlantic relationship and risk a perilous downward spiral.”
Denmark and its european neighbors have repeatedly sought to dissuade Trump from acquiring Greenland, particularly after he said earlier this month he would consider all options, including military force.
Trump claims acquiring Greenland is critical for U.S. national security and would prevent Russia and china from gaining a foothold in the territory. Beijing and moscow have criticized Trump’s claims, calling them a “pretext…for selfish gains” and “extraordinary.”
Greenland has repeatedly rejected Trump’s advances. While a majority of its population favors independence from Denmark, most Greenlanders do not want to become part of the U.S. Protests were held Saturday in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, with demonstrators holding signs stating “Greenland is not for sale.”