Overview
- Trump said imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland will face a 10% tariff from February 1, rising to 25% on June 1, to stay in place until a “full and final” purchase of Greenland is agreed.
- EU leaders signaled a joint response, with European Council President António Costa coordinating member states and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warning the move would damage transatlantic relations.
- National leaders condemned the plan, including Sweden’s Ulf Kristersson calling it blackmail, the UK’s Keir Starmer labeling it “completely wrong” and pledging direct talks with Washington, and Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre and Finland’s Alexander Stubb urging allies to resolve disputes without threats.
- Denmark announced a strengthened military presence in Greenland and said allied partners will boost activity there, with Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, the UK, Germany and Slovenia reporting planned deployments and training.
- U.S. officials defended the approach, with UN Ambassador Mike Waltz asserting it complies with international law and Stephen Miller questioning Denmark’s ability to protect the island, as former adviser John Bolton warned that any use of force would imperil NATO; U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer urged Europe to keep the tariff issue separate from broader trade talks.