Key Points
- The Threat: A 10% tariff on eight European countries starting February 1, 2026.
- The Ultimatum: Tariffs will rise to 25% on June 1, 2026, if no deal is reached for the U.S. to buy Greenland.
- Targeted Nations: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
- Reasoning: Trump claims these nations have been “subsidized” by U.S. defense spending and argues only the U.S. can protect Greenland from China and Russia.
- New Detail: The administration has linked the acquisition to the deployment of a “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance against countries protesting his plans for Greenland, making a major announcement that has sent shockwaves through diplomatic channels. In a statement released on his social media platform, Truth Social, on January 17, 2026, he declared that a 10 percent additional tariff will be imposed on goods imported from eight European countries that oppose U.S. control over the strategic Arctic territory.
Trump warned that if no agreement is reached regarding the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland, this tariff will be drastically increased to 25 percent starting June 1, 2026.
“Time to Give Back”
The President specified that the countries subject to these new levies include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. In his post, he argued that the U.S. has effectively subsidized Denmark and other European Union countries for years through defense spending without receiving fair compensation. “It’s time for them to give back,” Trump wrote, framing the tariffs not as a trade dispute, but as a recouping of costs.
According to Trump, world peace is at stake over Greenland. He asserted that China and Russia are aggressively seeking influence in the region, and he claimed that Denmark is unable to protect the territory with its own resources. “Only the United States can play in this game,” he stated, emphasizing that the acquisition is critical for checking the strategic ambitions of rival superpowers.
National Security and the “Golden Dome”
In his detailed statement, Trump said that only the U.S. can ensure the security of a strategically important region like Greenland. He claimed that this “sacred land” is inextricably linked to U.S. national security and the stability of the entire world. Administration officials have recently linked this push to the development of a “Golden Dome” missile defense system, arguing that owning Greenland is essential for the system’s deployment and effectiveness.
Trump alleged that the collective opposition from these European nations is threatening the “security, safety, and existence of the U.S. homeland,” characterizing their diplomatic resistance as playing a “dangerous game”. [
An Ultimatum for June
President Trump stated that strong and decisive steps are necessary to protect global peace and security, so that a potentially dangerous situation can be resolved quickly and without any doubt. He clarified the timeline for the pressure campaign: the initial 10 percent tariff will take effect on February 1, 2026, and will remain in place until the June deadline.
“This tariff will be levied until the complete purchase deal for Greenland is finalized,” Trump affirmed. European leaders have expressed shock and strong opposition to the move. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the announcement a “surprise,” while Danish officials have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
Negotiations or Coercion?
Donald Trump also mentioned in his statement that several countries, including the United Kingdom, have long attempted to strike a deal regarding Greenland, but Denmark has rejected them. He argued that the acquisition is now necessary because billions of dollars are being spent on security programs, including those directly related to Canada’s security.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump concluded by saying the U.S. remains ready to negotiate with Denmark or other relevant countries. However, the tone of the announcement suggests that the administration views the purchase as an inevitability rather than a request. Recent meetings between White House officials, including Vice President JD Vance, and Danish diplomats have ended without agreement, with reports suggesting the U.S. has not ruled out other options if a sale is refused.
