Trump Imposes 10% Tariffs on Europe Over Greenland Standoff, EU Vows Retaliation

Tensions between the United States and its European allies have reached a boiling point.

President Donald Trump has intensified his push to acquire Greenland, threatening tariffs on multiple nations and sparking widespread condemnation.

Trump has announced plans to impose a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight European countries starting February 1, escalating to 25 percent on June 1, unless Denmark cedes control of Greenland to the United States.

The presdient described the move as necessary for national security, emphasizing Greenland's strategic importance in countering threats from China and Russia in the Arctic.

He argued that the U.S. has subsidized Denmark and other European nations for years without reciprocal benefits.

"We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back—World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it," Trump stated on Truth Social. "Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake."

He added: "Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years."

Supporters of Trump's position highlight Greenland's vast resources, including rare earth minerals, and its role in Arctic security.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asserted that America's relations with Europe "have never been closer" and urged partners to "take a deep breath."

Trump also referenced a phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, agreeing to discuss Greenland at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Proponents argue that acquiring the territory would strengthen U.S. defenses against adversarial expansion, with Trump posting AI-generated images depicting Greenland under American control alongside Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Detractors, including European leaders and some U.S. Republicans, have decried the threats as coercive and damaging to alliances.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded in Davos, vowing the EU's response "will be unflinching, united and proportional."

"The European Union and the United States have agreed to a trade deal last July. And in politics as in business – a deal is a deal. And when friends shake hands, it must mean something," said von der Leyen. "We consider the people of the United States not just our allies, but our friends. And plunging us into a downward spiral would only aid the very adversaries we are both so committed to keeping out of the strategic landscape."

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that the tariffs could prompt the EU to deploy its anti-coercion instrument, known as the "trade bazooka," for the first time against the U.S.

"Can you imagine that? This is crazy," Macron said. "Let's not accept a global order which will be decided by those who claim to have, I would say, the bigger voice or the bigger stick."

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized, "We need to have respect for international law and territorial integrity. International law, it’s not a game. We have been a close and loyal ally to the United States, to NATO, through many, many, many years. We can do lots more in that framework. We are willing to cooperate much more, but of course in mutual respect, and if we cannot see that, it will be very difficult to have a good and reliable partnership."

Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska called Trump's actions "immoral" and "embarrassing," warning of potential impeachment.

"Very embarrassing conduct," Bacon wrote on X. "Ends don't justify the means Goofy. It's immoral."

In response to a poll showing 30 percent of Republicans support military force for Greenland, Bacon stated, "We obviously need more of the Gospel in our lives. Too many have lost their moral compass."

A CBS News/YouGov poll found 86 percent of U.S. adults oppose using military force against the ally.

The controversy extends beyond Greenland.

Trump threatened a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne if France declines to join his "Board of Peace," a proposed body to oversee Gaza reconstruction and global order, chaired by Trump at a $1 billion entry cost.

"I'll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and champagnes. And he'll join. But he doesn't have to join. No-one wants him because he's going to be out of office very soon," Trump said.

A source close to Macron indicated France "does not intend to answer favorably," citing the board's broad scope.

Trump also leaked a text from Macron proposing Paris talks and criticized the U.K.'s Chagos Islands transfer, linking it to Greenland's necessity.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied threats to Greenland while calling it a "colonial gain" for Denmark, stating, "In principle, Greenland isn’t a natural part of Denmark."

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre affirmed, "Norway's position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter. We also support that NATO in a responsible way is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic. As regards the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to president Trump what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government."

European nations have deployed troops to Greenland, and discussions include retaliatory tariffs or suspending the U.S.-EU trade deal.

Trump's Davos speech is anticipated amid market volatility, with stocks falling on tariff fears.

European leaders dig in against this brazen power play, but Trump's unyielding stance exposes fractures in the alliances that once defined the West. America First means no more free rides – and if allies won't step up, they'll pay the price.