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Trump Targets Greenland Again, Warns Denmark Over Russian "Threat" in Arctic

US President Donald Trump has accused Denmark of being unable to counter a Russian "threat" in Greenland, signaling a renewed push to act. This comes amid a diplomatic crisis triggered by Trump's announcement of punitive tariffs on several European nations, linked to his desire for the US to "obtain" Greenland. European leaders, including Denmark's Foreign Minister, are coordinating a firm response, asserting they will not yield to pressure. The dispute highlights Greenland's growing strategic value in the Arctic, where the US already maintains a major military base.

Key Points: Trump Accuses Denmark of Failing on Greenland Russian Threat

  • Trump accuses Denmark of failing on Greenland threat
  • US announces tariffs on European nations
  • European leaders vow coordinated response
  • Greenland's strategic Arctic importance grows
  • Diplomatic standoff escalates over territory
2 min read

Denmark unable to counter Russian 'threat' in Greenland, says Trump; claims 'it will be done'

Trump escalates pressure on Denmark over Greenland, citing Russian threats and imposing tariffs, sparking a diplomatic standoff with Europe.

"NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' - Donald Trump"

Washington, Jan 19

US President Donald Trump on Monday escalated pressure on Denmark over Greenland, accusing Copenhagen of failing to counter what he described as a long-standing Russian threat to the strategically located island and signalling renewed determination to act.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"

The post has emerged as the central focus of a growing diplomatic standoff between Washington and several European capitals, following Trump's recent announcement of punitive tariffs linked to Greenland. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced his intention to "obtain" Greenland, citing security concerns and geopolitical competition in the Arctic.

Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, though Copenhagen retains control over defence and foreign policy. The United States already operates a major military base on the island, which holds increasing strategic importance amid rising global interest in the Arctic region.

Meanwhile, European leaders have begun coordinating their response to Trump's tariff threats. Earlier on Sunday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said European countries were acting in unison and expressed confidence in continental backing. Speaking at a joint press conference with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Rasmussen said he had "no doubt about the support from Europe," even as he acknowledged that a tariff conflict could impose significant costs on European Union members.

Eide struck a firm tone, declaring, "We will not yield to pressure." Rasmussen added that while recent discussions at the White House had produced some agreements, a coordinated European approach remained essential. "We are not cooperating unilaterally," he said.

Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would impose a 10 per cent tariff from February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland. He also warned that the levy would rise to 25 per cent from the beginning of June unless a deal was reached for the United States to purchase Greenland.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So he wants to buy an entire island now? 😂 First it was trade wars, now it's land acquisition via tariffs. This feels like a schoolyard bully tactic. Respect to Denmark and Norway for standing firm together. Europe needs unity against such pressure.
R
Rohit P
The real story is the shifting global power play. Russia in the Arctic, China's polar silk road, and now US muscle-flexing. India cannot afford to be a bystander. Our scientists are doing good work in Antarctica, but we need a clear Arctic policy too. This isn't just a Western issue.
S
Sarah B
While the approach is aggressive, one has to acknowledge the strategic point. The US already has a base there. If there's a genuine, long-ignored Russian threat, maybe someone finally saying it out loud forces action. The tariff method, however, hurts ordinary people and businesses on both sides.
V
Vikram M
This is how superpowers behave when they feel challenged. We see similar posturing in our own neighborhood. The lesson for smaller nations is clear: build strong alliances and don't depend on a single power for security. Denmark is right to rally European support.
K
Kavya N
What about the people of Greenland? Their voice seems completely missing from this conversation between Washington and Copenhagen. Self-governing territory should mean something. This whole episode shows a disregard for local agency. Very disappointing.

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