In an unprecedented escalation of geopolitical tension, he announced tariffs of up to 25%, until he “buys” the , with Europe watching in shock as the crisis in the Northern Arctic flares up.
Tariffs as a weapon: The Trump strategy
In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused several European countries of playing a “very dangerous game” in Greenland, writing that “world peace is at stake (…) These countries, who engage in this very dangerous game, have taken an unacceptable risk,” the US president wrote in a lengthy message, adding that “after centuries, it’s time for Denmark to deliver – global peace is at stake.” peace! China and Russia want Greenland and Denmark can’t do anything about it.”
At the same time, he announced successively increasing tariffs in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland so that, as he wrote, “this potentially dangerous situation will end quickly”:
- From February 1: 10% duties
- From June 1: 25% duties
- Tariffs will remain in place ‘until an agreement is reached to buy Greenland from the US’
The move seals an unprecedented clash of trade policy and geopolitical ambition, causing intense concern in Europe and a diplomatic rift with Denmark.
New negotiations between Denmark and the US government had preceded it, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Leke Rasmussen stressing in a Facebook post that the talks were aimed at starting a dialogue, not persuading the US to abandon its plans to control the island.
The two countries, along with the government of Greenland, agreed to the establishment of a high-level working group to develop a common approach to future discussions on the island. Rasmussen called on the parties involved to keep calm, ignore the media noise and focus on implementing the agreed procedures.
“Greenland is not for sale”
At the same time, thousands of citizens demonstrated in the capitals of Denmark and Greenland, Copenhagen and Nuuk respectively, with slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale”, “No means no” and “Hands off Greenland”. Some wore red hats emblazoned with the ironic phrase “Make America Go Away.”
REUTERS/Tom Little
In Nuuk, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen led the march to the US consulate, while civil servant Naya Holm stressed: “This is not a game. It’s our home.”
Diplomatic and military tension
Greenland, strategically important because of its location and mineral resources, has caused a serious crisis between Washington and Copenhagen. Trump has not ruled out the use of force either, while European countries have sent military personnel to the island at Denmark’s request.
Autonomy and American rejection
Greenland, with a population of 57,000, has extensive autonomy but remains under Danish rule. Parliamentary parties have long supported independence, but prefer Denmark to the US.
In the US, only 17% of citizens support the Trump effort, while a majority of Democrats and Republicans reject the use of military force. Trump called the poll “fake.”
