US President Donald Trump on Friday warned that his administration could impose trade tariffs on countries that refuse to support his push for the United States to take control of Greenland, an autonomous territory belonging to NATO ally Denmark.
Speaking during a health roundtable at the White House, Trump said, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.” He added pointedly, “I may do that,” signalling that economic pressure could be used to advance Washington’s strategic objectives.
Trump likened the potential Greenland-related tariffs to similar trade threats he issued last year against France and Germany over the pricing of pharmaceutical products. The remarks mark the latest escalation in the Republican president’s aggressive campaign to acquire the vast Arctic island.
The US leader has repeatedly argued that mineral-rich Greenland is critical to American national security, accusing the territory of failing to adequately protect itself from growing influence by Russia and China. He has previously suggested that military action could not be ruled out if diplomatic efforts fail.
In response to Trump’s statements, several European countries have moved to publicly support Denmark and Greenland, including by deploying troops to the strategically important Arctic region. Meanwhile, a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress arrived in Copenhagen on Friday to reaffirm American legislative backing for Denmark and Greenland amid the rising tensions.
Efforts to cool the dispute have so far made limited progress. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland visited the White House on Wednesday for discussions aimed at easing the standoff. However, both sides later acknowledged that they remain in “fundamental disagreement” with Trump’s position.
Despite the sharp differences, the White House confirmed on Thursday that the United States, Denmark and Greenland have agreed to establish a working group to continue dialogue on the issue, with meetings expected every two to three weeks.
What you should know
Donald Trump’s renewed threats over Greenland highlight growing geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, a region increasingly viewed as strategically vital due to its natural resources and location.
Greenland remains an autonomous territory under Denmark, and both Copenhagen and Nuuk have firmly rejected any idea of a US takeover. Trump’s willingness to use trade tariffs, and previously, military rhetoric, underscores a broader shift toward hardline foreign policy tactics. European allies have responded with visible support for Denmark, while diplomatic channels remain open through a newly formed working group.
How this dispute unfolds could reshape transatlantic relations and Arctic security dynamics.
