U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States would impose tariffs on several European nations, linking the measure to what he described as threats to Greenland and global security. The announcement comes amid growing U.S. interest in acquiring the Arctic territory from Denmark.
Trump said the United States has long subsidized Denmark and other European Union countries by not charging tariffs, and argued it was time for Denmark “to give back,” citing what he called threats from China and Russia.
“World peace is at stake,” Trump said, adding that only the United States could effectively protect Greenland and prevent rival powers from gaining influence there.
Starting Feb. 1, 2026, Trump said the United States would impose a 10% tariff on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. The tariff would rise to 25% on June 1, 2026, and remain in place until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland,” a territory that is self-governing within the Kingdom of Denmark and a NATO ally of the United States.
Trump framed the acquisition as critical to U.S. and global security, citing what he described as the “Golden Dome,” a modern missile defense system. He said the effectiveness of U.S. weapons systems depends on Greenland’s geography, and argued the territory is central to maximizing coverage.
The announcement comes amid heightened military activity in Greenland. The Danish Armed Forces said in a statement that they have increased their presence in and around Greenland, conducting training activities with several NATO allies, including Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway. These operations include deployments by air, sea, and land, and are aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing the alliance’s ability to operate under Arctic conditions.
“The purpose is, among other things, to enhance the ability to operate under Arctic conditions and thereby strengthen the security of the entire alliance in the Arctic, to the benefit of both European and transatlantic security,” the Danish Armed Forces said.
The increased presence will continue and expand in 2026 with periodic training operations involving both national and international exercises, including guarding critical societal installations, assisting local authorities, receiving allied troops, deploying fighter aircraft, and conducting naval operations.
Trump criticized the limited Danish security presence in Greenland, saying it was insufficient to counter foreign threats. He also claimed that multiple European nations had traveled to Greenland “for purposes unknown,” describing the situation as dangerous and unsustainable.
“These countries have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said, calling for strong measures to bring the situation to an end.
He said the United States was immediately open to negotiations with Denmark and other affected countries, adding that Washington had provided “maximum protection” to European allies for decades.
