President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would impose a new 10 percent tariff on Denmark and seven other European countries until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland. The unprecedented move marks a dramatic escalation in Trump's push to acquire the semiautonomous Danish territory.
The tariffs, set to take effect on February 1, will target exports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump warned that the tariff rate would increase to 25 percent on June 1 if no agreement is reached. In a post on Truth Social, Trump justified the measures by claiming that China and Russia want Greenland and that Denmark cannot protect it.
The European response was swift and unified. Leaders from all eight affected nations issued a joint statement warning that the tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared that Europe will not be blackmailed. The European Union has entered discussions to implement retaliatory tariffs of up to 108 billion dollars on American products.
The tariffs have also drawn criticism from within Trump's own party. Senator Lisa Murkowski called the tariffs unnecessary, punitive, and a profound mistake. However, Senator Tom Cotton defended the president, stating that Greenland is vital for the national security interests of the United States.
Polls indicate that American citizens do not support Washington acquiring Greenland. A Reuters/Ipsos survey showed that fewer than one in five respondents favor the idea. Despite this opposition, Trump has made acquiring Greenland a centerpiece of his foreign policy agenda, arguing that control of the Arctic territory is essential for American security and strategic interests in the region.