Trump has warned that tariffs could rise to 25 per cent by June if European nations continue to oppose Washington’s demand for the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland.
BY PC Bureau
January 17, 2026: US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the imposition of a 10 per cent tariff on several European countries, citing their opposition to America’s proposed takeover of Greenland. The tariffs, set to take effect from February 1, will impact nations including Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and other members of the European Union.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that the tariffs would be raised to 25 per cent from June 1 if no agreement is reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the United States. The announcement followed earlier warnings that countries resisting Washington’s Greenland plans could face economic retaliation.
European leaders have firmly rejected the proposal, stating that decisions regarding Greenland rest solely with Denmark and the territory itself. Denmark recently announced an increase in its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies, a move the White House said would not deter Trump’s ambitions. French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo said the European response demonstrated the continent’s readiness to defend its sovereignty.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the US requires control of the mineral-rich Arctic island for “national security,” claiming it is necessary to prevent China and Russia from gaining influence in the region. Earlier this week, he said any outcome short of Greenland coming under US control was “unacceptable.”
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Following talks in Washington, Danish officials acknowledged a “fundamental disagreement” between Copenhagen and Washington over Greenland’s future. The dispute triggered large protests in Denmark, with thousands marching through Copenhagen on Saturday in support of Greenlandic self-governance. Demonstrators carried placards reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Thursday categorically ruled out any US acquisition of Greenland, calling the idea a violation of international law and sovereignty. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed the stance, stating that if forced to choose, Greenland would stand with Denmark, NATO, and the European Union.
