Trump Vows to Enforce Greenland Tariffs as EU Warns It Will Defend Sovereignty

Donald Trump has said he will “100%” carry out his threat to impose tariffs on European countries that oppose his demand for US control of Greenland, prompting firm resistance from European allies and the European Union. Speaking in an interview, the US president declined to rule out the use of force and confirmed he would press ahead with tariffs on goods from the UK and seven other Nato allies unless Denmark agrees to sell the semi-autonomous Arctic territory. Trump said Britain would face a 10% tariff from 1 February, rising to 25% from 1 June, with similar measures applying to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.

European leaders have rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark’s foreign minister said ownership of Greenland cannot be achieved through threats, warning that US military action would effectively end Nato. The UK reiterated that Greenland’s future is for Greenlanders and Denmark alone to decide. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has “no interest to pick a fight” but would hold its ground, adding that “sovereignty is not for trade.” EU leaders are expected to discuss a response at an emergency summit in Brussels.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said the alliance would continue working with Denmark and Greenland on Arctic security. Meanwhile, Norad confirmed routine, pre-planned aircraft deployments to Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, stressing the operations were coordinated with Denmark and Greenland. The escalating dispute has added fresh strain to transatlantic relat