President Donald Trump has warned he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plan to bring Greenland under American control, intensifying tensions over the strategic Arctic territory. Speaking on January 16 during a White House event on rural healthcare, Trump said the country “needs Greenland for national security” and hinted at economic consequences for nations that “don’t go along” with the plan.
Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, has firmly rejected the proposal. Danish and Greenlandic leaders, along with European governments, insist that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people, in line with international law. Trump’s tariff threat marks the first time he has suggested economic sanctions against allies over this issue.
A bipartisan delegation of lawmakers is in Copenhagen to reassure Denmark and Greenland that Congress opposes any forced acquisition. They met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen to ease tensions. Some legislators are considering measures to block any attempt to seize Greenland without consent.
European reactions have been sharply critical. NATO members have deployed forces to Greenland at Denmark’s request as a precaution. Senior European officials warn that coercive actions could damage long-standing alliances. Concerns are also rising over Russia and China’s growing Arctic presence, which Trump cites to justify increased influence in the region.
Greenland’s government remains committed to staying within Denmark’s realm and aligned with NATO and the European Union, rejecting any transfer of control to the United States. Trump’s tariff remarks introduce an economic angle to a debate that has been largely political and strategic, raising questions about trade and alliance solidarity.
Also Read: PM Modi launches rail projects in Bengal, Assam
