Trump Imposes Tariffs on Eight European States Over Greenland Dispute

US President Donald Trump has unveiled new tariff measures targeting eight European nations that oppose his push to take control of Greenland, framing the move as a national security necessity while prompting sharp backlash from Europe.

Tariffs Linked Directly to Greenland Standoff

Trump said the tariffs would apply to “any and all goods” imported into the United States from the targeted countries, beginning at 10 percent on February 1 and rising to 25 percent on June 1. The countries affected include Denmark, Britain, France and Germany.

In a social media post, Trump stated that the tariffs would remain in place “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,” directly tying trade policy to territorial ambitions.

Observers believe the proposed tariffs would be imposed in addition to existing trade duties, further intensifying economic pressure on the European economies involved.

US Cites Security Concerns in the Arctic

Trump reiterated his long-standing claim that Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, is vital to US national security. He criticized the eight European nations for what he described as unexplained activities on the island.

“These countries have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown,” Trump wrote, warning that the situation posed risks to “the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.”

US officials and analysts believe the comments refer to European participation in Danish-led military exercises aimed at strengthening Arctic security.

“America Is More Than Its President”

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen sought to downplay fears of a lasting rupture with Washington, stressing that US institutions remain resilient despite President Donald Trump’s unconventional leadership style.

“The American president is unconventional, but America is more than its president,” Rasmussen said. “There are checks and balances in American society.”

Addressing the tariff threat directly, Rasmussen rejected the notion that individual European countries could be singled out economically.

“The idea that you can pick out certain countries and impose tariffs on them is not possible in the world we live in,” he said. “We are in the EU, and therefore it is the EU that must respond.”

Rasmussen’s remarks underscored Denmark’s view that any trade retaliation or diplomatic response must be handled collectively at the European level, rather than through bilateral confrontation with Washington.

European Leaders Push Back

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized the tariff decision, saying that imposing trade penalties on allies for pursuing NATO’s collective security was “completely wrong.” He said London would raise the issue directly with the US administration.

French President Emmanuel Macron issued a stronger rebuke, stating that “no intimidation or threat” would influence France’s position, whether in Ukraine, Greenland or elsewhere. He described tariff threats as unacceptable and warned of a coordinated European response.

EU Warns of United Response

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa issued a joint statement cautioning that tariffs would damage transatlantic relations.

“Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty,” the statement said, signaling that retaliatory measures could follow if the tariffs are implemented.