Trump Targets 8 European Nations with Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will impose 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries that oppose US control of Greenland. The tariffs target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, starting February 1, with plans to raise them to 25% on June 1 unless the US gains control of the island.

Background

Greenland is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump has pushed for the US to buy or take control of it, saying it is key for national security. He claims China and Russia might try to take it if the US does not act, and that Denmark cannot defend it alone. This idea first came up during his earlier time in office, but it has picked up again lately.

European countries have sent small groups of troops to Greenland as part of training exercises run by Denmark. These moves came after Trump repeated his interest in the island. Leaders from Greenland and Denmark have said many times that the territory is not for sale. Protests have broken out there against the US plan. On Saturday, large crowds marched in Copenhagen with signs saying 'Not for sale.' In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, people held a 'Stop Trump' march through the streets.

US lawmakers from both parties have also pushed back. A group of House members and senators went to Greenland on Friday. They met with Danish parliament members and said they want to keep good ties with Denmark and Greenland. They made clear that many in Congress do not back Trump's plan to acquire the island.

Key Details

Trump made the tariff announcement in a social media post. He called the situation a danger to the planet's safety and security. He said these countries are taking big risks by opposing the US.

"This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable."

— President Donald Trump

The tariffs will hit all goods sent to the US from those eight nations. Trump said they will stay until the US can buy Greenland. He has even said taking it by force is an option.

European leaders reacted fast. French President Emmanuel Macron put out a statement on Saturday.

"France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of Nations. Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context. Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed."

— Emmanuel Macron, French President

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said using tariffs on NATO allies for security work is wrong. He noted that Greenland's future is up to Greenlanders and Danes. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country will not give in to blackmail. He added that only Denmark and Greenland decide their issues, and Sweden stands with its neighbors.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week. He called any conquest of Greenland totally unacceptable.

Timeline of Events

• Trump repeats push for Greenland control.
• European NATO countries send troops for Danish training in Greenland.
• Bipartisan US lawmakers visit Greenland to support ties with Denmark.
• Protests grow in Copenhagen and Nuuk.
• Trump announces tariffs on Saturday.

A Quinnipiac University poll shows 55% of US voters oppose buying Greenland. Most Democrats and independents are against it, while most Republicans support it. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, said after the congressional visit that US ties with Denmark and Greenland are not about party lines. She stressed the long history of strong relations.

Trump's past tariffs have faced court fights, some going to the Supreme Court. It is not clear when the court will rule on current cases.

What This Means

The tariffs could raise prices for goods from Europe in the US. Everyday items like cars, food, and clothes from those countries might cost more starting next month. US businesses that import from Europe could see higher costs passed to buyers.

NATO allies might pull together on a response. Leaders like Macron have talked about a united European stand. This could strain US ties with NATO at a time when the alliance faces other pressures.

Denmark handles Greenland's foreign affairs. Any sale or change would need talks with both. Greenlanders have shown strong opposition through protests. Local leaders say they want to stay with Denmark.

The congressional visit shows splits inside the US government. While Trump pushes hard, many lawmakers from both sides want to keep alliances steady. This could lead to more trips or statements against the plan.

Trade fights like this often lead to back-and-forth tariffs. Europe might target US products in reply, like farm goods or tech. Past trade wars have hurt farmers and makers on both sides.

Security in the Arctic is at stake. Greenland sits in a key spot for watching Russia and China. More troops from Europe mean stronger NATO presence there. Trump's move might push allies to stay firm or even add more forces.

US polls show most people do not back the buy idea. This could put pressure on Trump from home. Lawmakers might try bills to block funds or actions on Greenland.

The Supreme Court cases on tariffs add uncertainty. A ruling against Trump could stop or delay the new ones. Businesses and governments are watching closely.

Greenland's people have a say in their future. Protests show they do not want US control. Any deal would need their input under self-rule rules.

This dispute mixes trade, security, and territory claims. It tests US-Europe bonds built over decades. Leaders on both sides will keep talking as tariffs loom.