Trump Targets 8 NATO Allies with Tariffs Over Greenland Dispute

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he will impose 10% tariffs on goods from eight NATO allies starting February 1. The countries—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—face these tariffs because they oppose US plans to buy Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic.

Trump made the statement on his Truth Social platform. He said the tariffs will rise to 25% on June 1 and stay in place until a deal is reached for the full purchase of Greenland. The announcement came after these nations sent small groups of troops to the island for joint military exercises called Operation Arctic Endurance.

Background

Trump first raised the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in office. He argued that US control of the island is needed for national security reasons. Greenland sits in a key spot in the Arctic, close to routes that could become important as ice melts. Trump has pointed to growing activity there from China and Russia as a threat.

Denmark has governed Greenland's foreign affairs for over 300 years. Greenland handles its own internal matters but relies on Denmark for defense. Leaders in both places have said many times that Greenland is not for sale. Polls in Greenland show most people there do not want to join the US. Many prefer to stay with Denmark if they have to pick.

Tensions grew this week when Denmark boosted its military presence on the island. Denmark sent ships, drones, and fighter jets—not just dogsleds, as Trump has joked in the past. Other NATO allies joined in with troops for the exercises. This happened right after Danish officials met with top US figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Those talks ended with no agreement on Greenland.

Protests broke out on Saturday in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, and in Danish cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense. In Nuuk, hundreds marched to the US consulate with signs saying 'Greenland is not for sale.' Crowds chanted against Trump's plans. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said this week that the island would pick Denmark over the US.

Trump has long complained about NATO allies not paying enough for their own defense. He says the US spends too much protecting them. Now, he links that to Greenland, saying these countries are playing a dangerous game by sending troops there.

Key Details

The tariffs target all goods sent to the US from the eight countries. Trump listed them clearly in his post: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He called their actions a risk to the planet's safety and security.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller spoke on Fox News about Denmark's role. He said Denmark has a small economy and cannot defend Greenland properly. Miller pointed to history, saying military strength has decided who controls land for 500 years.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen visited Washington this week. After meetings, he said Denmark is increasing funds for Arctic security. He stressed that the new military steps are to protect the region, not to block the US.

European Reactions

Leaders from the targeted countries spoke out quickly. French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X that France stands for the sovereignty of nations everywhere.

"No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations." – Emmanuel Macron

Rasmussen called Trump's wish to take Greenland a form of conquest. He said Denmark wants to work with the US on Arctic issues like security and minerals, but not through buying the island.

Some US senators also criticized the plan. They said it hurts American businesses and allies. They warned it could divide NATO and help leaders like Russia's Putin and China's Xi.

Legal questions hang over the tariffs. The White House often uses the International Economic Emergency Powers Act for such steps. But the Supreme Court is reviewing that law now, with a decision due soon.

What This Means

These tariffs could hit trade hard between the US and Europe. The US has recent deals with the European Union and the UK that might get disrupted. Goods like cars from Germany, cheese from France, and fish from Norway could cost more for American buyers.

NATO ties might suffer too. The alliance depends on trust among members. Trump's move puts pressure on allies who see Greenland as off limits. It echoes his past demands for more defense spending from NATO countries.

For Greenland, the stakes are high. The island has rare minerals needed for batteries and tech. US control could change mining and shipping there. But locals fear losing their way of life. Protests show strong feelings against any takeover.

Denmark faces a tough spot. It must balance NATO duties with protecting Greenland. More military builds could follow if tensions rise. Trump has even mentioned force as an option to get the island, though he has not acted on it yet.

Businesses in the eight countries are watching closely. A 10% tariff adds costs right away. By June, 25% could slow exports a lot. Some firms might look for other markets, hurting jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Supreme Court case adds uncertainty. If it limits the president's power on tariffs, Trump's plan could stall. Allies might hold firm, betting on that outcome.

Greenland's people keep saying no. Their leaders point to treaties with Denmark and the US for working together without ownership changes. Protests grew larger on Saturday, with calls to stop Trump.

Trump shows no sign of backing down. He says the US is ready to talk with Denmark or others, but only for a full deal on Greenland. This fight mixes trade, security, and old alliances in a new way.