Trump Vows to Fully Implement Greenland Tariffs as EU Moves to Safeguard Interests

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to impose tariffs on European nations that resist his push to acquire Greenland, asserting that he will follow through “100%” on his earlier threats.

The announcement has drawn strong reactions from European allies, who are united in defending Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark’s Foreign Minister emphasized that Greenland’s semi-autonomous status cannot be undermined through threats or coercion.

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also stressed that the decision regarding Greenland’s future rests exclusively with the Danish government and the people of Greenland.

On Monday, Trump did not rule out the possibility of military action while insisting he would continue with the planned tariffs on imports from the UK and seven other NATO-member countries.

Trump’s Latest Statements

In an early-morning post on Truth Social, Trump said he had a “very productive phone call” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and confirmed plans for a multilateral meeting in Switzerland later this week.

He added: “Greenland is essential for both National and Global Security. There is no turning back — on this, everyone agrees!”

Trump detailed that the U.S. would impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from the UK starting February 1, increasing to 25% from June 1, until a purchase agreement for Greenland with Denmark is reached.

He extended the same tariff threat to goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland — all NATO allies.

Trump also remarked: “Europe should prioritize the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine because that situation demands their attention — not Greenland.”

European Response

Denmark has warned that any U.S. military action on Greenland could jeopardize NATO itself. Recent weeks saw European countries, including a symbolic deployment of troops, express solidarity with Greenland. However, Trump responded with renewed threats of tariffs on these eight NATO nations.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told Sky News that Europe must demonstrate that tariff threats are “not a path forward.” He emphasized, “We have red lines that cannot be crossed. Greenland’s sovereignty cannot be forced.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned the tariff plan, highlighting that it benefits no one. He expressed hope for a diplomatic discussion with Trump during the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos.

Merz clarified that NATO’s recent reconnaissance missions over Greenland were coordinated and announced beforehand, stressing: “This was never a military action.”

EU Summits and Policy Position

The European Union will convene an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to evaluate strategies in response to Trump’s Greenland ultimatum.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “The EU has no interest in confrontation, but we will uphold our stance. Trade threats are not an acceptable approach — sovereignty is not negotiable.”

Additional Tensions

Text messages between Trump and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre revealed a dispute over the Nobel Peace Prize, with Trump blaming Norway for not receiving the award. Støre clarified that the prize is awarded by an independent committee and reiterated Norway’s support for Denmark regarding Greenland.

Trump, in subsequent interviews, insisted that Norway exerts significant control over the Nobel Prize process, despite official claims to the contrary.

Military Movements in Greenland

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) announced Monday that multiple aircraft are en route to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.

NORAD clarified that the operations are routine and intended to support ongoing planned activities. The organization confirmed that Denmark and the Greenland government were fully informed. Similar NORAD deployments have occurred in 2022, 2023, and 2025, reaffirming the routine nature of these missions.