Trump Proposes Tariffs Against Nations Resisting Greenland Acquisition

Sat Jan 17 2026 14:43:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold statement, President Trump has threatened to implement tariffs on countries that oppose the US acquisition of Greenland, a move backed by growing tension involving the territory's strategic importance and international relations.

During a recent White House meeting, President Trump suggested the possibility of imposing tariffs on nations that do not support the US’s ambitions to annex Greenland. This declaration comes amidst a bipartisan visit by US legislators to Greenland aimed at assessing local sentiments towards the acquisition amidst resistance from Denmark and the general population. Trump's comments have raised eyebrows internationally, particularly within NATO, with many countries expressing concerns over potential military escalations and the geopolitical implications tied to Greenland's resources.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to place tariffs on nations that do not go along with his ambitions to annex Greenland.

Trump said at a White House meeting that he may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, which is a self-governing territory controlled by Denmark.

He did not specify which countries might be affected or what legal grounds he would use to impose such tariffs.

Along with Denmark and Greenland, other nations are opposed to his plans, and many in the US have shown skepticism towards a potential acquisition. As Trump spoke, a bipartisan congressional delegation was visiting Greenland to show support for the territory.

The group, which included Republicans, expressed concerns about the president's calls for the US to acquire Greenland citing national security reasons. They sought meetings with local leaders as well as Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

Trump asserted that Greenland is essential for US security and mentioned that the US could acquire it the easy way or through the hard way, apparently referring to a possible purchase or forceful acquisition.

He stated, I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security, amid discussions about rural healthcare.

Greenland is resource-rich and strategically positioned between North America and the Arctic for defense monitoring and response. The US maintains over 100 military personnel at the Pituffik base—a missile-monitoring station operated since World War Two—and seeks more control to protect against potential Russian or Chinese threats.

Denmark has cautioned that military intervention would undermine NATO—the defense alliance wherein the US plays a pivotal role. NATO operates on collective defense principles, and the idea of one member using force against another is unprecedented.

European allies have expressed solidarity with Denmark and stressed that Arctic security should be a joint NATO responsibility, with support from the US. In response, several nations including France, Germany, Sweden, and others have sent troops to Greenland as part of reconnaissance missions.

The visit by the US legislators follows talks in Washington, which did little to assuage Trump's ambitions. They included both strong supporters and moderate Republicans, reflecting a broad political concern over Trump's plans.

Greenlandic MP Aaja Chemnitz expressed hopefulness following meetings with the US Representatives, emphasizing the need for allies and support against increasing pressure from the US.

Simultaneously, legislation has been proposed to prevent any attempts at annexation, even as other voices within Congress push for support of Trump's stance.

Amid discussions, Trump's envoy to Greenland emphasized the importance of direct dialogue with Greenland's leadership rather than through Denmark.

While recent talks between US and Danish officials did not bring up military takeovers, Danish authorities continue to regard Trump's intentions seriously, suggesting that his public statements reflect genuine aspirations.