The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced progressive tariffs this Saturday (17), for eight European countries opposed to the purchase of Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Tariffs start at 10% from February 1, 2026. The percentage increases to 25% on June 1, if there is no diplomatic progress. Trump cited Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. He stated that these countries have received American subsidies for decades.
“Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to reciprocate. World peace is at stake”, he wrote on the social network X. The president justified the economic pressure with arguments of international security. “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is nothing Denmark can do about it,” he declared.
Trump mocked the island’s current defense. He said the protection comes down to “two dog sleds as protection, with a third recently added.” The president also stated that “only the United States of America, under the presidency of Donald J. Trump, can participate in this game, and with great success.”
According to Trump, the recent European presence worsened the situation. “Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Finland traveled to Greenland, for unknown purposes.” “This is a very dangerous situation for the safety and survival of our planet,” he said.
Purchase of Greenland divides allies and generates skepticism in the US
Trump announced a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States from countries that do not support the purchase of Greenland. He said Washington “has been trying to make this transaction for more than 150 years.”
The president justified the tariff measure for countries against the purchase of Greenland with strategic reasons. “Due to the Golden Dome and modern weapons systems, both offensive and defensive, the need to acquire Greenland is especially important,” he wrote. Trump defended “forceful measures” to end what he called a “potentially dangerous situation”.
Denmark, Greenland and other countries reject the plan. In the United States, there is political skepticism about the acquisition.
On Friday, a bipartisan congressional delegation visited Greenland. The group, made up of 11 parliamentarians, declared support for the territory. Republicans expressed concern about the president’s appeals.
The congressmen met with the local parliament, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Democratic senator Chris Coons said that the mission sought to listen to the population and take positions to Washington “to alleviate the situation”.
Greenland has a low population, vast natural resources and a strategic position for missile early warning. The United States maintains more than 100 soldiers at Pituffik, a monitoring base that has been active since World War II.
