Trump warns Europe of tariffs amid protests over Greenland

US President Donald Trump on Saturday intensified his push to take control of Greenland, warning that he would impose tariffs of up to 25 percent on several European countries until his objective of acquiring the Danish territory is met.

The threats came as thousands of people rallied in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and across Denmark to oppose Trump’s bid for the mineral-rich Arctic island.

Trump directed his criticism at Denmark — a fellow NATO ally — along with other European nations that have recently sent troops to the vast autonomous territory, home to about 57,000 people. If carried out, the tariff measures would mark an unprecedented escalation of tensions within the NATO alliance.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said that from February 1, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10 percent tariff on all exports to the United States. He added that the tariff would rise to 25 percent on June 1, 2026, and would remain in force “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.”

“These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have introduced risks that are neither tenable nor sustainable,” Trump wrote, claiming the measures were necessary to protect “global peace and security.” He also said he was “immediately open to negotiations” with Denmark and the other affected nations.

European leaders swiftly rejected the announcement. Denmark described it as a “surprise,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “completely wrong,” and French President Emmanuel Macron said tariff threats were “unacceptable and have no place in this context.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said European governments were working on a coordinated response, while EU leaders declared full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. An emergency meeting of EU ambassadors was scheduled in Brussels for Sunday.

Greenlandic Minister Naaja Nathanielsen welcomed Europe’s response, saying she was “thankful and hopeful that diplomacy and allieship will prevail.”

In Nuuk, thousands of demonstrators — including Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen — waved national flags, chanted slogans and sang traditional Inuit songs despite light rain. Many wore caps reading “Make America Go Away,” a parody of Trump’s campaign slogan.

“We don’t want Trump invading Greenland — that’s the message,” said nurse Paarniq Larsen Strum, calling the situation “nerve-wracking.” Protest organizer Avijaja Rosing-Olsen said demonstrators were demanding respect for Greenland’s right to self-determination.

Similar protests took place in Copenhagen and other Danish cities, where demonstrators waved Danish and Greenlandic flags and chanted “Kalaallit Nunaat,” Greenland’s name in the local language. Some held placards reading “Greenland is not for sale.”

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is vital to US “national security,” alleging — without evidence — that China and Russia are seeking control of the territory. While both countries have increased their Arctic presence, neither has made territorial claims.

Denmark said the recent European military exercise in Greenland was intended to demonstrate its commitment to defending the territory, adding that the United States had been invited to participate.

It remains unclear under what legal authority Trump would impose the proposed tariffs. Since returning to office, he has used sweeping trade measures against numerous partners as leverage in diplomatic disputes.

The tariff threat also comes despite a recent US-EU agreement to reduce tariffs on key European exports, which is currently being implemented.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers concluded a visit to Copenhagen on Saturday, saying Trump’s position does not reflect the views of most Americans. Polls show that Greenlanders overwhelmingly reject joining the United States, with 85 percent opposed and only six percent in favor.