President Donald Trump derided Denmark’s ability to defend Greenland, claiming the Arctic territory is protected by “two dogsleds,” as he announced sweeping tariff threats against Denmark and several European allies unless Greenland is sold to the United States.
“China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it,” Trump said, asserting that Denmark’s security presence amounted to “two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”
The comments were part of a lengthy statement in which Trump framed Greenland as essential to U.S. and global security and said only the United States could protect the territory. He argued that Denmark and other European countries had relied on U.S. protection for decades without adequate compensation.
Trump announced that starting Feb. 1, 2026, the United States would impose a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariff would rise to 25% on June 1 and remain in effect until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
He accused European countries of creating what he called a “very dangerous situation” by increasing their presence in Greenland, claiming they had “journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown.” Trump said those actions placed global security at risk and justified what he described as “strong measures.”
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security because of its strategic Arctic location, missile defense considerations tied to the so-called “Golden Dome” system, and growing interest in the region from Russia and China. He said modern weapons systems make U.S. control of the territory “especially important.”
The remarks have triggered sharp backlash across Europe. Danish officials have said Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its future is for Greenlanders to decide. NATO allies including France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany have emphasized that recent military activity in and around Greenland consists of coordinated training exercises aimed at strengthening Arctic security.
Trump’s comments have also fueled protests in Greenland and Denmark. On Jan. 17, thousands of demonstrators rallied in Nuuk and Copenhagen, chanting “Greenland is not for sale” and carrying banners rejecting U.S. annexation efforts.
European leaders have warned that tariffs tied to territorial demands risk damaging transatlantic relations and undermining NATO unity. Trump, however, said the United States remains open to negotiations, insisting that acquiring Greenland is necessary to protect American and global security.
