US President Donald Trump on Friday warned that countries refusing to support his plan to take control of Greenland could face trade tariffs. The president argued that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is crucial for US national security.
Speaking at a White House health roundtable, Trump said, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.” He compared the move to his previous threats of tariffs on France and Germany over pharmaceutical prices.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland’s mineral wealth and strategic importance, accusing the territory of not doing enough to protect itself from rivals like Russia and China. He has even suggested that military action could be an option if necessary.
The threat has drawn strong support for Denmark and Greenland from European nations, including recent troop deployments to the Arctic island. A bipartisan US Congress delegation also visited Copenhagen on Friday to back Denmark and Greenland against Trump’s escalating threats.
Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with Trump at the White House. Although they acknowledged that fundamental disagreements remain, the three parties agreed to form a working group to continue talks every two to three weeks.
Trump’s push for Greenland has sparked international concern over sovereignty, security, and the potential economic consequences of his tariff threats.
