Trump threatens to put tarrifs on countries that don’t back U.S control of Greenland
Trump threatens to put tarrifs on countries that don’t back U.S control of Greenland, escalating an already sensitive international dispute involving Denmark, NATO allies, and the strategic future of the Arctic region. The warning from U.S. President Donald Trump signals a tougher stance on Greenland, which he has repeatedly described as critical to American national security.
The comments came as a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers visited Copenhagen in an effort to calm diplomatic tensions, highlighting a sharp contrast between Congress and the White House on how to manage U.S.–Denmark relations and Greenland’s political status.
Trump renews push for U.S. control of Greenland
President Trump has for months argued that the United States should assume control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory governed by Denmark. Speaking at a White House event unrelated to foreign policy, Trump suggested he could impose economic pressure on countries that oppose Washington’s ambitions.
“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” Trump said, reinforcing his belief that U.S. control of Greenland is essential for American defense interests.
This marks the first time Trump has explicitly linked trade penalties to support for Greenland’s transfer, expanding his use of tariffs as a diplomatic tool beyond trade disputes.
Donald Trump Greenland tariffs raise global concerns
Tariffs as leverage in foreign policy
The idea of Donald Trump Greenland tariffs has raised alarm among U.S. allies, particularly in Europe. Trump previously threatened tariffs on pharmaceutical imports from European countries, and his willingness to apply similar pressure over Greenland has intensified fears of a broader trade confrontation.
European leaders argue that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people and Denmark alone. Many warn that using tariffs to influence territorial decisions undermines international norms and could destabilize longstanding alliances.
U.S.–Denmark relations under strain
Congressional delegation seeks calm
While the White House rhetoric grew sharper, U.S.–Denmark relations were addressed more diplomatically by lawmakers visiting Copenhagen. Senators and House members met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic representatives to reaffirm cooperation.
Senator Chris Coons praised Denmark as a “trusted ally” and emphasized the importance of extending the partnership into the future. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski echoed that sentiment, stating that Greenland should be viewed as an ally rather than an asset.
Her comments directly contradicted the administration’s hardline approach and highlighted divisions within U.S. leadership over Greenland policy.
National security and Arctic geopolitics at the center
Why Greenland matters
Supporters of Trump’s position argue that national security and Arctic geopolitics make Greenland strategically indispensable. The Arctic region is increasingly important due to melting ice, new shipping routes, and access to critical minerals.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that China and Russia are seeking greater influence in Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of rare earth elements vital to modern technology and defense systems.
However, critics say these concerns are exaggerated and warn that aggressive tactics could push allies closer to rival powers instead.
Greenland and Denmark push back
Denmark has firmly rejected any suggestion that Greenland could be taken over by another country. Danish officials recently announced increased military cooperation with NATO allies in Greenland, underscoring their commitment to defending the territory.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made the island’s position clear, stating that Greenland would choose Denmark, NATO, and the European Union over the United States if forced to decide.
This response underscores growing resistance to Trump’s demands and reinforces Greenland’s desire for self-determination.
Inuit leaders voice strong opposition
Concerns over colonial history
Indigenous leaders in Greenland have been among the most vocal critics of the White House’s stance. The Inuit Circumpolar Council warned that repeated claims that the U.S. “must own” Greenland reflect a troubling disregard for Indigenous peoples.
Council chair Sara Olsvig said the rhetoric raises serious concerns about how powerful nations view smaller populations, stressing that Inuit communities do not want to experience another era of colonization.
These statements have resonated internationally, adding a human rights dimension to the geopolitical debate.
Congress moves to block annexation efforts
Amid rising tensions, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate to prevent the use of federal funds to annex Greenland or any NATO member’s territory without consent.
Senator Murkowski noted that public opinion in the United States does not support acquiring Greenland, citing surveys showing that most Americans oppose such a move.
This legislative effort could significantly limit the White House’s ability to act unilaterally, even as Trump continues to issue threats tied to tariffs.
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What comes next for Greenland and global diplomacy
As Trump threatens to put tarrifs on countries that don’t back U.S control of Greenland, the dispute shows no signs of easing. The clash highlights deeper questions about alliance politics, sovereignty, and the future balance of power in the Arctic.
Whether the administration follows through on tariff threats remains uncertain. However, the episode has already strained diplomatic ties and raised new concerns about the use of economic pressure in territorial disputes.
For now, Greenland, Denmark, and their allies remain firm in their opposition, while Congress works to assert its role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. The outcome could redefine U.S.–Denmark relations, reshape Arctic geopolitics, and test the limits of presidential power on the global stage.
Mainstream News References
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AP News – Trump may punish countries with tariffs if they don’t back U.S. control of Greenland
Link: https://apnews.com/article/denmark-greenland-us-trump-tariffs-c8c17c89cbc4ca9819eb728102d0a2b3
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