President Donald Trump publicly suggested on Friday that he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support the United States gaining control over Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Speaking in Copenhagen, Denmark, Trump said, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” arguing that the United States “needs Greenland for national security.” He did not offer specific details on what tariffs he would impose or under what authority.
Trump has repeatedly declared that the U.S. should control Greenland — which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark — for strategic reasons, including countering Russia and China’s influence in the Arctic. Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected any transfer of sovereignty, saying the island “cannot under any circumstances accept” a U.S. takeover.
As CNBC reports:
The Trump administration has previously said it is weighing multiple options, including utilizing the U.S. military, in order to take over the Danish territory.
Trump asserts it is essential that America own Greenland — even though the U.S. already maintains a military base there — because of national security concerns posed by China and Russia.
The White House has also said the U.S. is considering making an offer to buy the Arctic island. But Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly insisted that the territory is not for sale and has no wish to be absorbed into America.
European leaders are alarmed by Trump’s rhetoric. France warned that any attempt to seize or control Greenland could jeopardize EU-U.S. trade relations, and NATO partners insist that sovereignty must be respected.
A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation also visited Copenhagen amid these tensions, while Trump’s special envoy said a Greenland deal “should and will be made,” underscoring how seriously the administration is pushing the issue despite international resistance.
What Trump Is Asking For
- Support from other countries — especially European NATO allies — for U.S. influence or control over Greenland.
- And if countries don’t back that position, Trump suggested economic penalties via tariffs could be used as leverage (though the legal authority for such unilateral tariff action to enforce a foreign policy goal is unclear and would likely be contested).
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Trump is right on this point. We do need to have more control of the area. Should China or Russia get a foot hold in the area the US is in grave danger.