WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Saturday announced a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark and several European allies, escalating a dispute tied to his administration’s push for U.S. control over Greenland.
Trump said the tariffs will take effect Feb. 1 on goods from eight European NATO members: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He said the measures are a response to those countries’ opposition to U.S. efforts to gain control of Greenland.
Trump added that the tariffs could rise to 25% on June 1 unless a deal is reached for what he called the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
In a social media post, Trump framed the move as necessary for U.S. security interests in the Arctic and accused European governments of interfering in a strategically important region.
The announcement drew sharp criticism from European leaders and sparked protests in Denmark and Greenland, where demonstrators chanted slogans such as “Greenland is not for sale.” Thousands rallied in Copenhagen and other cities, voicing support for the island’s sovereignty and rejecting Trump’s rhetoric.
Denmark has reinforced its military presence in Greenland alongside other NATO partners, rejecting U.S. claims to the island and emphasizing Danish sovereignty. European diplomats urged continued unity within the alliance and respect for international norms.
Trump’s posture marks a significant strain in relations with longstanding U.S. allies. He has argued that Greenland is critical to U.S. defense interests, particularly amid concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. European officials, however, maintain that decisions about the territory rest with the people of Denmark and Greenland.
Denmark’s prime minister and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly said the island is not for sale and reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and European partnerships.
Polling suggests the idea of a U.S. takeover is broadly unpopular. A Quinnipiac poll found 55% of U.S. voters opposed efforts to buy Greenland. A YouGov survey found 72% opposed using military force.
Support varies by party, with Democrats and independents strongly opposed. Some polling has found a majority of Republicans support trying to buy Greenland, though most Republicans still oppose using force.
In Greenland, opposition is even stronger. A January 2025 poll found 85% of Greenlanders said they do not want the island to become part of the United States. A separate January 2025 poll found 78% of Danes opposed selling Greenland.
READ NEXT: House Ethics Panel Investigates Nancy Mace
I’m a Republican and voted for Trump three times. I am behind everything he has done EXCEPT for this! If we have a base there, just build it up and put more resources there. If he takes it by force against the Greenlanders and Danes wishes, he will make enemies of half the people in the world.
NATO allies are a joke. They are gutless and greedy and we need to get out of NATO if they will not cooperate. I agree that Greenland is vital to our security and the President needs to find a way to bring its population to our side. I fear that military conquest would be a dangerous precedent and encourage China against Taiwan and Russia against Ukraine. President Trump will find a way and this is a start.