Washington, United States —United States President Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs on several European countries over his controversial push to acquire Greenland.
In a post on his Truth Social platform over the weekend, Trump said the United States will impose a 10% tariff starting February 1 on goods from eight North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, specifically Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
Trump added that the tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until Washington is able to strike a deal to purchase Greenland.
The US president has repeatedly argued that Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is vital to US national security against threats from China and Russia, which he claims could take over Greenland.
He has raised this argument since his first term in office.
This issue resurfaced in the wake of the US military intervention in Venezuela, during which the country’s president and his wife were captured.
Recently, Trump said Denmark cannot defend Greenland, which is why the United States should take over the territory.
However, leaders of Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the idea, describing Greenland as ‘not for sale.’
Meanwhile, these NATO countries targeted by Trump have also deployed military personnel to Greenland since last week as Trump ramps up his threats.
In a joint statement, the eight nations pushed back at Trump, warning that linking trade penalties to Greenland’s status could harm transatlantic relations and may pose a downside to trade relations.
They also expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland, reaffirming their shared unity.
Greenland holds significant rare earth minerals used in advanced high-tech products and is also home to a key military installation operated by the United States.