US President Donald Trump has announced a wave of increasing trade tariffs on several European allies, vowing to maintain them until a deal is reached for the United States to purchase Greenland.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, the President declared that a new 10% import tariff will take effect on February 1. The measures target Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom. Trump further warned that these duties would jump to 25% on June 1 if his demands are not met.
The President characterized Greenland as vital to US national security due to its Arctic location and vast mineral wealth. This latest escalation follows reports that Trump has not ruled out the use of force to secure the territory. In response to these threats, several European nations have already deployed military personnel to the island at the request of the Danish government.
"These countries are playing a very dangerous game," Trump wrote, suggesting that US protection over recent decades has been unappreciated. "The United States is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark or any of these countries."
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the NATO alliance. Prominent EU leaders have warned that any attempt at a military seizure of a NATO member's territory could lead to the total collapse of the alliance.
In London, political analysts describe the move as a major blow to Downing Street’s strategy of maintaining a "tightrope" relationship with the Trump administration.
Meanwhile, large-scale protests broke out in both Denmark and Greenland on Saturday, with citizens demanding the right to self-determination.
