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Trump Threatens Tariffs on Europe Over Greenland, Citing Russian Threat

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on several European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland, framing the move as a national security necessity to counter Russian and Chinese interests. The threat comes ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos. In response, eight European countries issued a joint statement expressing full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, arguing that their military exercises pose no threat. Trump warned of escalating tariffs beginning in 2026 if a deal is not reached, claiming it is "time for Denmark to give back" after years of U.S. support.

Key Points: Trump Threatens Tariffs on Europe Over Greenland Security

  • Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland
  • Cites Russian, Chinese interest in Arctic
  • NATO warned Denmark for 20 years
  • European nations express solidarity with Denmark
  • Tariffs could start in 2026
2 min read

Now, Greenland will be free of Russian threat, says US President Trump

US President Trump threatens tariffs on European nations, demanding action on Russian threat in Greenland ahead of Davos meeting with NATO chief.

"time for Denmark to give back - Donald Trump"

Washington DC, January 19

US President Donald Trump has said that Greenland has not been able to keep "Russian threats" away from Greenland despite being warned about it for over two decades.

In a post on X, the White House 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!!!"

This post comes right around the time NATO Secretary General and Trump are to meet at Davos where the World Economic Forum begins from Monday.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Sunday (local time) spoke with Trump on the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, amid Washington's threat to impose 10 per cent tariffs on Denmark and European Union countries.

Mark Rutte also informed that he will meet with Trump this week in Davos.

In a post on X, Rutte said, "Spoke with POTUS regarding the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic. We will continue working on this, and I look forward to seeing him in Davos later this week."

Rutte did not share details of the conversation with Donald Trump on the matter.

Meanwhile, several European countries have come together and expressed support and solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid the threat by US President Trump to impose tariffs on eight European nations untill it is allowed to acquire Greenland.

A joint statement by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom--shared by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned that exercise 'Arctic Endurance' does not pose a threat to anyone and that the countries stand in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

The statement highlighted that the threat of tariffs undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral.

On Saturday, Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the United Kingdom and other European countries unless they agree to sell Greenland.

In his post, Trump claimed the move is necessary for national security, citing China's and Russia's interest in the territory.

He offered to negotiate with the European nations but warned of escalating tariffs of 10 per cent from February 1, 2026, and 25 per cent from June 1, 2026, if a deal wasn't reached, stating it was "time for Denmark to give back" after years of US support.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
From an Indian perspective, we see how global powers treat smaller nations. Greenland is not a commodity to be bought and sold. The people of Greenland have a right to decide their own future. This "time to give back" rhetoric is concerning. Solidarity with Denmark.
A
Arun Y
Interesting timing with Davos. Feels like a negotiation tactic to get something else on the table. The Arctic is becoming a new chessboard, and India should also pay close attention to these developments for our own strategic and climate interests.
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Sarah B
Imposing tariffs unless a country agrees to sell part of its territory? This sets a dangerous precedent. The joint statement by the European nations is the right response. International relations cannot be run like a real estate deal.
V
Vikram M
The real story is the growing scramble for the Arctic due to climate change and new shipping routes. Everyone wants a piece. But threatening allies is not the way. Hope sense prevails in Davos. The world has enough conflicts already.
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Kiran H
While the US President's method is... direct, one has to acknowledge the security concern regarding Russian presence. NATO has been pointing it out for 20 years. However, the solution must be diplomatic and consensual, not coercive. The ends don't justify these means.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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