In a bold escalation of his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, President Donald Trump announced on January 17, 2026, that the United States would impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from eight European countries starting February 1, with the rate increasing to 25% by June 1 unless a deal is reached for the U.S. to purchase the Danish territory outright. The targeted nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—were singled out for their opposition, including sending small contingents of troops to participate in military exercises on the island amid Trump’s renewed push for control. Trump framed the move as essential for global security, stating on Truth Social that “World Peace is at stake” and accusing these allies of benefiting from U.S. subsidies without reciprocation, positioning the tariffs as leverage to force negotiations over the Arctic island’s future.

The announcement immediately ignited outrage among longtime U.S. allies, who have repeatedly signaled that Greenland is not for sale and view the proposal as a violation of sovereignty. European leaders condemned the tariffs as “unacceptable” and “completely wrong,” with French President Emmanuel Macron likening Trump’s threats to aggressive tactics seen in other global conflicts, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the strain on transatlantic relations. The European Union swiftly scheduled an emergency meeting of ambassadors to address the issue, and bipartisan U.S. lawmakers, including a delegation that visited Denmark to affirm support for its control over Greenland, criticized the plan as detrimental to NATO unity and international partnerships. Meanwhile, thousands protested in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, against any potential U.S. takeover.

Trump’s stance underscores his belief that “everything is for sale,” a philosophy that has driven his unconventional foreign policy approaches, treating geopolitical assets like business deals ripe for negotiation. This tariff strategy not only tests alliances but also risks broader economic repercussions, potentially disrupting trade worth billions and escalating tensions in an already fragile global order. Critics argue it could undermine U.S. credibility on the world stage, while supporters see it as a decisive move to secure strategic advantages in the Arctic amid climate change and resource competition. As responses unfold, the episode highlights the unpredictable nature of Trump’s second term, where economic tools are wielded aggressively to pursue territorial ambitions.

Additional ADNN Articles:
 

1. Trump’s Genius Maneuver: Surgically Decouples Greenland from Denmark Voluntarily, Securing Arctic
2. Trump Declares War on Cartels, Greenlights Invasions of Canada and Greenland in ‘Golden Circle’ Power Grab
3. Leaked 2003 Pentagon Report Predicts Younger Dryas Climate Catastrophe, Explains Trump’s Push for Canada and Greenland
4. France Deploys Troops to Greenland Amid Trump’s Arctic Claim Escalation