European Leaders Reject Trump's Greenland Tariff Threat

Sun Jan 18 2026 02:05:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump's proposal to impose tariffs on countries opposing US plans for Greenland's acquisition has sparked fierce backlash from Europe. Leaders express their discontent while protests erupt in Greenland and Denmark.

European leaders have condemned President Trump's recent threat to impose tariffs on countries opposing the potential US acquisition of Greenland. The UK Prime Minister called it 'completely wrong,' while the French President labeled it 'unacceptable.' The tariffs, affecting several European countries, have led to widespread protests against US interference in Greenland's self-determination, showcasing a growing rift between the US and its NATO allies.

President Trump has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders after announcing a series of tariffs aimed at countries opposed to the US's proposed takeover of Greenland. The tariffs, starting at 10% and potentially rising to 25%, will affect Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.

In reaction, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed that such actions were 'completely wrong,' with French President Emmanuel Macron calling it 'unacceptable.' Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson emphasized that his country would not bow to intimidation, signaling a united front among European nations against Trump's tariff threat.

Trump insists that acquiring Greenland, a resource-rich territory critical for US security, is essential. He has hinted at various methods, including military force, to secure the island.

Meanwhile, protests erupted across Denmark and Greenland, with thousands rallying against the perceived US attempts to control Greenland. In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined demonstrators advocating for self-determination.

Public sentiment in Greenland is clear: opinion polls show that 85% of residents oppose joining the US. Protest messages included 'Greenland is not for sale' and 'we shape our future,' highlighting a strong desire for autonomy.

European nations have rallied around Denmark, asserting that security in the Arctic is a collective responsibility, and that any territorial decisions should respect the wishes of Greenlanders.

With Trump’s administrative tactics often framed as aggressive, this new tariff announcement signals a concerning shift in US-EU relations, further complicating the geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region.