President Donald Trump has imposed a 10% tariff on goods from the UK, Denmark, France, and other key European countries due to their resistance to the proposed US acquisition of Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that these countries—including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland—have failed to prioritise world peace and the interests of the US in the face of challenges posed by China and Russia, despite years of free trade with America.
“This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet,” he wrote. The tariff is set to take effect on February 1, 2026, with plans for it to increase to 25% by June and remain in place indefinitely until the US acquisition of Greenland is finalised.
“Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above-mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) will be charged a 10% Tariff on any goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%,” he stated. “This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump’s tariffs have come as a shock to these nations, which have long been key US allies, major trading partners, and members of NATO. The President has argued that acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, is essential for US national security and would strengthen the defence alliance. He did not rule out military action in pursuit of Greenland, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to respond last week by stating that a US attack on Greenland would signify the end of NATO.
Furthermore, Trump claimed that Denmark is not doing enough to protect Greenland, despite its significant expenditure on the self-governing territory of 57,000 residents, including billions of dollars for defence and infrastructure. He asserted that both China and Russia have designs on Greenland, although he provided no evidence to substantiate this claim. “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” he said. “Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.”
In response to Trump’s statements, European Council President Antonio Costa affirmed that the EU will remain “united, coordinated, and committed to upholding the sovereignty” of Denmark and the Arctic region. “Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law. They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole,” he stated. “The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US,” he added on X.
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