President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on eight European allies Saturday in a push to force the sale of Greenland to the United States.
Trump announced in a Truth Social post that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will face a 10% tariff on all goods starting Feb. 1. The rate will jump to 25% on June 1 and remain in place until a deal is reached for what he called the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
“Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!” Trump wrote. (RELATED: NATO Makes Teensy Deployments To Greenland As Trump Presses For Control)
The president said Russia and China want Greenland and mocked Denmark’s defenses as “two dogsleds.” He also said the territory is essential for the Golden Dome missile defense system and said the U.S. has pursued the acquisition for more than 150 years.
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton told Fox News that Trump “is right that Greenland is vital for the national security interests of the United States.”
Two European diplomats told CBS News there was no forewarning before Trump’s announcement. Officials in allied nations feel alienated and see the move as a potential breaking point in relations with Washington.
French President Emmanuel Macron attacked the decision on X. “No intimidation nor threat will influence us,” Macron said. “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.”
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson bristled at the announcement, telling Agence France-Presse his country would not be intimidated.
UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch fired back on X, saying that Trump is “completely wrong” and that “people in both UK and US will face higher costs.”
Reform U.K. leader Nigel Farage, typically a Trump ally, posted on X that Britain “certainly” disagrees with the tariffs.
Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis broke with the president, writing on X that the tariffs are “bad for America, bad for American businesses, and bad for America’s allies.”
A January 2025 poll showed 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States, France 24 reported. Trump said the U.S. remains “immediately open to negotiation” with Denmark and the other targeted nations.
