Greenland Dispute Escalates as Trump Doubles Down on Tariff Threat

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Brussels: U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial threat to impose escalating import tariffs on several European countries unless they acquiesce to his push to acquire Greenland, prompting strong responses from the European Union (EU) and NATO allies.

 In a televised interview with NBC News, Trump declared he would “100%” implement his tariff threat targeting Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland and the United Kingdom all NATO members as part of a strategy to force a transfer of sovereignty over Greenland to the United States. He said the levies, starting at 10% on Feb. 1 and rising to 25% on June 1, would remain in place “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.” Trump also urged European leaders to focus on the wars in Ukraine and Russia rather than the Arctic dispute.

 The tariffs threat has sharply aggravated transatlantic relations, with European leaders insisting they will not be “blackmailed” and that Greenland’s future is a matter for its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. EU officials are preparing responses that could include reinstating tariffs on US goods worth €93 billion and, if necessary, using the bloc’s Anti-Coercion Instrument a legal tool designed to counter economic pressure from third countries.

 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s priority remains engagement with the United States “not escalation,” but made clear the bloc is ready to act to protect its interests if Trump follows through on his threats. Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa stressed that tariffs could undermine transatlantic cooperation and sovereignty.

 German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the call to avoid escalation in the dispute, while also making clear that Europe will defend its economic and national interests, and is preparing countermeasures if necessary. European leaders have also scheduled an emergency summit in Brussels this week to coordinate their response to what they describe as one of the sharpest rifts in decades between the US and its closest allies.

 French President Emmanuel Macron called the idea of tariff threats “unacceptable,” and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the approach as “completely wrong,” even as European capitals seek to contain the fallout without tearing geopolitical bonds.

 The unfolding dispute has not only stirred diplomatic opposition but also constitutional and security concerns, with Denmark warning that any US military action against Greenland would upend NATO. Washington has previously denied any intent to violate NATO or international law, but the tariff gambit represents a significant departure from long-standing transatlantic economic and security cooperation.