Jan. 18, 2026 — Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 10% tariffs on imports from eight European NATO allies—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—effective February 1, unless they agree to a U.S. purchase of Greenland. The tariffs would escalate to 25% on June 1 if no deal is reached.
Trump announced Truth Social, stating that joint security exercises by the nations around Greenland create a “very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.” He argued, “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” adding that “only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!” The move aims to pressure the allies amid heightened Arctic tensions.
The eight countries issued a joint statement affirming solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, warning that the tariff threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” They emphasized commitment to NATO Arctic security efforts and stated, “we will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
European leaders swiftly condemned the threats. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe stands “united” in response, noting the tariffs would “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the threats “unacceptable,” declaring, “no intimidation nor threat will influence us.”
“We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed,” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said, adding that “only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.”
— NBC News
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the tariffs as “completely wrong,” while Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called them surprising following recent constructive U.S. meetings in Nuuk on January 14.
Markets reacted immediately, with the euro coming under pressure and European defense stocks rising amid ‘risk-off’ sentiment, boosting safe-haven assets like gold. The dispute follows U.S. concerns over Arctic security, exacerbated by recent events, including the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
U.S. bipartisan lawmakers, including Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Thom Tillis, urged against the tariffs, warning they harm alliances. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced plans for legislation to block them.
The Greenland issue revives Trump’s long-standing interest in acquiring the strategic Arctic territory from Denmark for national security reasons.
