US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced sweeping tariffs on eight European countries, linking the move to what he described as escalating geopolitical risks around Greenland and reviving his long-standing ambition to acquire the territory from Denmark.
In a statement, Trump said the United States has “subsidised Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union” for years by not charging tariffs, adding that “now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back.”
He claimed Greenland has become central to global security concerns, warning that “World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.” Trump mocked Denmark’s security presence, saying it currently has “two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”
“Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land,” Trump said, adding that “the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.”
Trump also alleged that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland have “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown,” calling the situation “very dangerous for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet.”
Announcing punitive trade measures, Trump said that from February 1, 2026, the US will impose a 10% tariff on “any and all goods” from the eight countries. The tariff will rise to 25% from June 1, 2026, and remain in force “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
“The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years,” Trump said, adding that previous attempts failed because Denmark “has always refused.”
He linked the renewed urgency to advanced defence systems, including the so-called “Golden Dome”, saying the system’s effectiveness “can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency… if this land is included in it.”
Trump said the US is “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark” and other countries involved, reiterating that strong measures were needed to ensure the situation “ends quickly, and without question,” in the interest of “Global Peace and Security.”
