Jan. 17, 2026 — Nuuk, Greenland President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on all goods from eight European countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland—unless the United States reaches a deal to purchase or control Greenland, the self-governing Danish territory, prompting thousands to protest in Greenland and Denmark.
Trump made the announcement Saturday on Truth Social, stating the tariffs would begin Feb. 1 and rise to 25% on June 1 without an agreement. He claimed the European nations’ deployment of troops to Greenland amid NATO exercises posed a “very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet” and argued Denmark should “give back” the island for world peace.
The move escalates Trump’s long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic military purposes, including missile defense. The U.S. could invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, though legal challenges loom, including a pending Supreme Court ruling on its use for tariffs.
“We are demonstrating against American statements and ambitions to annex Greenland. We demand respect for the Danish Realm and for Greenland’s right to self-determination. Hopefully, we can show that we are many who support Greenland.”
Camilla Siezing, chair of the Joint Association of Inuit, told protesters in Nuuk, where about 5,000 of the capital’s 56,000 residents marched with signs reading “Yankee go home” and “Greenland is already great.”
“We are not for sale.”
One unnamed female protester declared to CNN. Thousands more demonstrated in Danish cities, including Copenhagen and Aarhus.
European leaders condemned the threats. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called it a surprise after recent constructive talks. French President Emmanuel Macron deemed them “unacceptable.”
“If we want prosperity, we must open markets, not close them.”
European Council President António Costa said. The EU scheduled an emergency ambassadors’ meeting in Brussels on Sunday.
In the U.S., Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Democrats would introduce legislation to block the tariffs, citing harm to the economy and allies. A bipartisan congressional delegation visited Copenhagen Saturday, with Sen. Chris Coons expressing respect for Greenlanders.
A recent CNN poll found 75% of Americans oppose U.S. control of Greenland. The tariffs would layer atop existing duties and could conflict with recent U.S.-EU and U.S.-UK trade deals.
The dispute strains NATO ties, with Trump accusing allies of ingratitude despite U.S. subsidies.
