European Leaders Condemn Trump's Tariff Threat Over Greenland

Sun Jan 18 2026 02:05:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

European leaders have reacted strongly to President Trump’s announced tariffs against several allies in response to opposition over his proposed acquisition of Greenland, calling the move unacceptable and a form of intimidation.

President Trump's threat to impose tariffs on allies opposing his Greenland takeover proposal has drawn significant backlash from European leaders. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Sweden's Ulf Kristersson have condemned the tariffs, calling them unacceptable and a form of coercion. Thousands protested in Greenland and Denmark against the notion of a US takeover, emphasizing their right to self-determination. Trump maintains that Greenland is critical to US security and has escalated his rhetoric, despite international opposition.

A threat by President Donald Trump to impose fresh tariffs on eight allies opposed to his proposed takeover of Greenland has drawn condemnation from European leaders.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the move was completely wrong while French President Emmanuel Macron called it unacceptable. Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson stated: We won't let ourselves be blackmailed. The comments came after Trump announced a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland, which would take effect on 1 February, with the possibility of rising to 25% until a deal is reached.

Trump insists that the autonomous Danish territory is critical for US security and has not ruled out taking it by force. Protesters in Greenland and Denmark rallied against any US move to acquire the territory. The island, rich in resources and strategically located, remains a point of contention and geopolitical interest.

Opinion polls indicate that 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US, and recent demonstrations expressed the sentiment for self-determination. European countries have rallied to support Denmark, emphasizing joint security responsibilities in the Arctic. Trump's threats of tariffs have injected urgency into an already tense diplomatic situation.