Global Outcry Against Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threat

Sun Jan 18 2026 02:48:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

European leaders denounce President Trump's proposed tariffs on allies opposing US acquisition of Greenland, amid widespread protests in Denmark and Greenland.

A proposed 10% tariff by President Trump on goods from Denmark and several European allies has sparked outrage, drawing condemnation from leaders such as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Protests erupted in Greenland and Denmark against the US's attempts to acquire the resource-rich territory, with demonstrators demanding self-determination for Greenland. The situation escalates NATO tensions as European nations rally against perceived intimidation from the US administration.

In a bold move that has elicited a strong backlash, President Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on eight European allies who have opposed his administration's plans regarding Greenland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the threat as 'completely wrong,' while French President Emmanuel Macron deemed it 'unacceptable.' Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson firmly stated, 'We won't let ourselves be blackmailed.'

The proposed tariffs, announced to take effect on February 1, would initially stand at 10%, with the potential to rise to 25%, and would remain until an agreement regarding the autonomy of Greenland is reached. Trump's insistence that Greenland is critical for US security has raised concerns about his intentions, prompting fears of coercion. He even suggested that military action was among the options on the table.

Mass protests erupted in both Greenland and Denmark on Saturday, with thousands denouncing any US attempts to acquire the territory. Greenland, characterized by its scarce population yet rich resources, lies strategically between North America and the Arctic, heightening its importance in military strategy.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators in Nuuk, echoing the sentiments of protestors holding signs proclaiming 'Greenland is not for sale.' In Copenhagen, placards reading 'Hands Off Greenland' highlighted the demand for respect towards Greenland's right to self-determination.

As tensions escalate, European leaders emphasize the need for a collective diplomatic approach, asserting that security in the Arctic should be a joint responsibility among NATO allies. European Council President Antonio Costa reaffirmed that the EU would staunchly defend international law, including its member territories.

With opinion polls indicating that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US, the relationships are strained further as Trump’s tariff threat appears to represent a significant escalation in his long-standing ambitions for Greenland. This recent development has injected urgency into discussions around Greenland's future and the geopolitical implications of its potential acquisition.