Trump imposes tariffs on some European countries over Greenland

SadaNews - U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his tone against eight allied European countries, announcing the imposition of tariffs on their exports to the United States starting next February, in a move aimed at pressuring Denmark to agree to the sale of the island of Greenland. Trump expressed concern about "mysterious" movements from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland towards the island, warning that they threaten "world peace."

Trump announced the imposition of tariffs on the eight countries starting from February 2026, in a provocative move aimed at pressuring Denmark to sell Greenland, which he described as "sacred land and the key to global security."

In a post on "Truth Social," Trump said: "We have supported Denmark and the European Union for decades without receiving anything in return. It is time for them to repay the favor."

According to the post, a 10% tariff will be imposed on U.S. imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, which will increase to 25% on June 1, 2026, "unless an agreement is reached for the purchase of Greenland."

The "Iron Dome" as the center of U.S. pressure

The U.S. president clarified that his country is investing "hundreds of billions of dollars" in an advanced defense system known as the "Iron Dome," stating that the system cannot operate effectively "without including Greenland."

Trump said: "For engineering and geographical reasons, this system will not work at full capacity without Greenland... This is directly related to U.S. national security, and to the safety of the entire world."

Warnings of a security vacuum in Greenland

The U.S. president accused Denmark of being unable to protect Greenland, adding that "a country that has only two sledges to protect its island cannot face the ambitions of Russia and China."

Trump also expressed his concerns about the movements of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland towards Greenland for "unknown purposes," warning that these movements pose a direct threat to "world peace" and require "decisive intervention," as he described it.

All eight countries are members of NATO, which gives a dangerous strategic dimension to the rhetoric, as Trump's statements come in the context of potential tension with traditional military allies of the United States, and not just with traditional adversaries like Russia or China.

A negotiation offer... with conditions

Despite the sharp tone of his post, Trump affirmed his openness to negotiation, saying: "The United States is ready to begin immediate talks with Denmark or with other concerned countries, but the tariffs will remain in place until a complete and comprehensive purchase agreement is concluded."

New test for post-NATO relations?

Trump's move highlights the Greenland issue as a rare intersection of security, geopolitical ambition, and economic interests. If U.S. pressure continues, Europe may find itself facing a new equation it hasn't encountered in decades: either enter negotiations to sell part of its territory or face a trade escalation that could expand in scope.