Trump Imposes Tariffs on European NATO Allies in Dispute Over Greenland Acquisition Plan

In an escalation of his longstanding ambition to acquire Greenland, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs on eight European members of the NATO alliance. The levies, which will begin at 10% in February before rising to 25% in June, target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump stated the measures would remain until a "complete and total purchase" of the Danish autonomous territory is achieved.

The action follows Trump's repeated assertions that acquiring Greenland is a matter of U.S. national security to counter perceived threats from China and Russia in the Arctic. The affected European nations had previously signalled support for Denmark by deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland. Both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have consistently rejected the prospect of a sale, emphasising that Greenland's future lies with its people, who voted in 2008 to retain their autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark.

This move represents a significant strain on transatlantic relations, employing economic pressure tactics against security allies. It raises questions about the use of coercive diplomacy within the NATO alliance and highlights the growing geopolitical importance of the Arctic region.