Donald Trump has intensified tensions with European allies after declaring he could impose tariffs on countries resisting his controversial Greenland takeover plan, framing the issue as vital to US security.
Speaking in Washington, Trump warned that nations opposing his Greenland ambitions could face economic penalties, arguing that strategic control of the Arctic island is essential for American national interests.
The renewed rhetoric follows a tense diplomatic week, during which Nato allies increased their military presence in Greenland amid growing concerns about potential US intervention in the territory.
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Danish kingdom, but Trump has repeatedly argued that the island’s location and resources make it indispensable to American defence planning.
Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland takeover, has dominated diplomatic discussions across Europe as leaders seek to defuse a rapidly escalating standoff.
Trump told a White House audience that countries refusing to “go along” with his Greenland plan should expect consequences, including import tariffs targeting key trading relationships.
“We need Greenland for national security,” Trump said, suggesting the US could apply the same pressure tactics previously used in disputes over drug pricing and defence contributions.
He cited earlier warnings to France and Germany, claiming tariff threats had forced them to reconsider pharmaceutical pricing policies affecting American consumers.
Trump added that Denmark could face similar measures, stating bluntly that economic pressure remained “on the table” if Copenhagen continued resisting Washington’s ambitions.
The remarks coincided with comments from Trump’s special envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, who said a deal to transfer control of the island “should and will be made.”
Landry told Fox News that Trump was “serious” about acquiring Greenland and had already made his expectations clear to Danish officials.
“The president has laid the markers down,” Landry said, adding that formal negotiations could soon involve Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice-President JD Vance.
A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Copenhagen this week in a show of solidarity with Denmark and Greenland amid fears of possible military escalation.
The delegation included Republican senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, alongside Democratic senator Chris Coons, reflecting growing unease within Congress over Trump’s rhetoric.
The lawmakers met Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen, reaffirming diplomatic ties and stressing opposition to forced territorial acquisition.
Chris Coons praised Denmark as a “trusted ally” of the United States for more than two centuries, urging restraint and dialogue instead of confrontation.
“There’s a lot of rhetoric but not much reality,” Coons said, adding that the delegation hoped to lower tensions once they returned to Washington.
Lisa Murkowski echoed those concerns, warning that most Americans did not support a US takeover of Greenland.
“Greenland should be viewed as an ally, not as an asset,” Murkowski said, distancing herself from Trump’s hardline position.
Meanwhile, Denmark announced new measures to strengthen Greenland’s emergency preparedness in response to rising anxiety among residents.
Denmark’s minister for public safety, Torsten Schack Pedersen, said unity was essential as the situation continued evolving.
“It is important that we stand together,” Pedersen said, confirming increased logistical and security support for the Arctic territory.
Greenland’s fisheries and environment minister, Peter Borg, welcomed Denmark’s assistance, describing it as critical amid growing uncertainty.
“We appreciate the support to strengthen preparedness in Greenland,” Borg said, noting heightened concerns among citizens.
Residents in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, have reported rising fear following Trump’s comments, with some saying they are personally monitoring air and sea activity.
Several Greenlanders told local media they felt unprepared for a crisis, citing a lack of clear guidance on evacuation or emergency response.
The anxiety has been compounded by conflicting statements following high-level talks between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials earlier this week.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed discussions included agreement to continue technical talks on acquiring Greenland.
However, Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen firmly rejected that assertion.
Rasmussen said no such agreement existed, clarifying that discussions focused solely on regional security cooperation in the Arctic.
Greenland’s foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt also contradicted Washington’s account, saying no negotiations on acquisition had taken place.
“There is a lot of work ahead,” Motzfeldt said, describing the situation as uncertain but noting improved communication channels.
Nato has also been drawn into the dispute, with European troops beginning reconnaissance deployments across Greenland.
Danish prime minister Frederiksen described Greenland’s defence as a “common concern” for the alliance.
Germany’s defence ministry confirmed that a reconnaissance mission would assess whether Eurofighter jets could be deployed to the territory.
A spokesperson said the mission aimed to evaluate Arctic security and potential Nato contributions.
The growing militarisation has alarmed analysts, who warn that Trump’s tariff threats risk triggering a broader geopolitical confrontation.
Experts say economic coercion could fracture longstanding alliances while emboldening rival powers in the Arctic region.
Trump’s approach reflects a wider strategy of using trade measures as leverage, previously applied to Iran, China, and European partners.
Earlier this week, Trump announced a proposed 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Iran, citing human rights abuses.
Critics argue the repeated use of tariffs as a diplomatic weapon undermines international norms and fuels instability.
European leaders have urged Washington to de-escalate, warning that Greenland’s status cannot be changed through pressure or force.
Despite internal US opposition, Trump has shown no sign of backing down from his Greenland ambitions.
As tensions rise, diplomats fear the dispute could reshape transatlantic relations and redefine security dynamics in the Arctic.
