US President Donald Trump has reiterated his intention to proceed without any backing down in imposing tariffs on European countries that oppose his plans to assume control of Greenland. His statements have provoked strong reactions from European governments and the European Union, which make clear that the island’s sovereignty is not a matter for negotiation.
In an interview with NBC News, the American president stated that from February 1st, 10% tariffs will be imposed on all products imported to the United States from Britain. As he declared, this percentage will increase to 25% from June 1st, unless there is an agreement with Denmark for the purchase of Greenland.
At the same time, he warned that similar measures will be applied to other European countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland, all NATO members.
When asked whether he really intends to implement his threats, Trump answered categorically: “I will do it, 100%.” Meanwhile, the American president refused to rule out the use of military force for the occupation of Greenland, responding “no comment” to a related question.
At the same time, he argued that “Europe should focus on the Russia-Ukraine war” and not on the Greenland issue.
BREAKING: US President Donald Trump has said in a telephone interview with NBC News that he will “100%” hit European nations with fresh tariffs if a Greenland deal is not reached.@SkyDavidBlevins reports from the US ⬇️
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Denmark: US military intervention in Greenland would mean “the end of NATO” – European Union calls emergency summit
Denmark warns that any military action by the United States in Greenland would be tantamount to the end of NATO. This position was expressed by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, emphasizing the seriousness of the consequences such a development would have for the transatlantic alliance.
At the same time, Rasmussen pointed out that Europe must send a clear message to Donald Trump, emphasizing that threats to impose tariffs “are not the right way” to resolve differences.
“There are red lines that cannot be crossed. You cannot threaten to acquire sovereignty over Greenland,” he declared, emphasizing that he does not intend to escalate tensions further.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated that Greenland’s future is a matter “exclusively for Greenlanders and Danes.”
The European Union is calling an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, aimed at responding to Trump’s latest threats. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the EU “does not want conflict, but will defend its position,” adding that “trade threats are not a way to negotiate” and that “sovereignty is not a matter of trade.”
Intervention by Rutte and NATO
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance will continue to work with Denmark and Greenland on Arctic security, following the deployment of small European military forces to the island, a move characterized as symbolic.
Meanwhile, exchanges of messages between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre were made public, in which the American president accuses Norway of being responsible for the fact that he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Støre responded that the prize is awarded by an independent committee and reiterated his country’s support for Danish sovereignty over Greenland.
Trump, however, insisted that Norway “fully controls” the Nobel, despite contrary assurances.
Finally, NORAD announced that multiple aircraft are heading toward the Pituffik base in Greenland as part of “scheduled activities,” clarifying that the operation is coordinated with Denmark and that the Greenland government has been informed. Similar operations had been carried out in previous years.
