Trump Imposes Tariffs on Europe, Demands Denmark Sell Greenland for ‘World Peace’
President Donald Trump turned up the heat on Denmark and its European allies Saturday, announcing sweeping new tariffs on eight nations as part of a pressure campaign to force the sale of Greenland to the United States.
Beginning February 1, goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be slapped with a 10% tariff. If no deal is reached, that figure will jump to 25% by June 1 — and stay in place until, as Trump put it, “a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump made the announcement in a fiery Truth Social post, calling the move essential for national security and warning that the U.S. has been subsidizing Europe for too long without anything in return.
“Now, after Centuries,” Trump wrote, “it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!”
The president made clear that Greenland — a strategically critical territory with rare-earth resources and a growing geopolitical footprint — would soon fall under Russian or Chinese influence if the United States doesn’t step in. “They currently have two dogsleds as protection,” Trump mocked, “one added recently.”
“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!” he added.
Trump has consistently tied the acquisition of Greenland to his national security agenda, including plans to build a “Golden Dome” missile defense shield across the Arctic frontier. During a recent interview aboard Air Force One, the president said, “If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland, and I am not going to let that happen.”
Saturday’s tariff announcement significantly escalates the standoff. Trump framed the move as part of a long overdue reckoning with Europe, accusing Denmark and others of hiding behind NATO protection while stonewalling U.S. ambitions.
“The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused,” Trump said.
He signaled that negotiations are still possible, adding that the U.S. remains “immediately open” to talks with Denmark or any of the eight targeted nations.
With trade tensions rising and European leaders rattled, Trump’s bold push for Greenland has gone from speculative to serious. Whether Denmark yields or digs in, the global stakes are now undeniable — and President Trump is betting big that his tariff hammer will bring the deal home.