Trump Hints at Tariffs Over Greenland, While Bipartisan Delegation Seeks Diplomatic Resolution
Updated (2 articles)
Tariff Threats Tied Directly to Greenland Stance President Trump told a White House rural‑health audience that he may levy tariffs on any nation that does not back U.S. aims on Greenland, framing the island as a national‑security asset and recalling earlier threats to European drug‑price agreements [1][2]. He offered no details on which countries would be targeted or the legal mechanism for such duties [2]. The comment marks the first public linkage of tariffs to Greenland, expanding his broader pressure campaign on allies [1].
Congressional Delegation Travels to Denmark and Greenland An 11‑member bipartisan team led by Sen. Chris Coons arrived in Copenhagen and later visited Nuuk, meeting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s premier Jens‑Frederik Nielsen [1][2]. The group said its mission was to listen to local concerns, report back to Washington, and lower diplomatic friction [2]. Both outlets note the delegation’s constructive tone and its aim to keep Greenland framed as an ally rather than a U.S. asset [1].
Strategic Value of Greenland Highlighted by All Sides Analysts reiterated that Greenland’s position between North America and the Arctic makes it critical for early‑warning radar and maritime surveillance, with the U.S. already operating the Pituffik base and capable of stationing additional troops under Danish agreements [2]. European nations—including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom—have dispatched reconnaissance units to the island, underscoring NATO’s collective interest [2]. The strategic narrative fuels both the tariff threat and the diplomatic outreach [1].
Political Split and Indigenous Opposition Emerge In Washington, Sen. Lisa Murkowski backs a bipartisan bill to block any Greenland annexation, while a Republican congressman has introduced legislation supporting it, reflecting a clear congressional divide [2]. Greenland’s Prime Minister Nielsen affirmed loyalty to Denmark, NATO and the EU if forced to choose, and Inuit leader Sara Olsvig warned that U.S. rhetoric evokes colonial attitudes toward Indigenous peoples [1]. A working group to address Greenland issues was agreed upon, yet Danish and White House officials publicly differ on its purpose, indicating ongoing contention [1].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
AP: Trump hints tariffs on countries over Greenland amid Denmark tensions – Details Trump’s tariff warning, the bipartisan Copenhagen delegation, a working‑group agreement, Greenland’s alignment with Denmark, and Indigenous criticism of U.S. rhetoric .
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[2]
BBC: Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposed to Greenland takeover as US lawmakers visit Denmark to ease tensions – Covers the same tariff threat, the 11‑member congressional visit, Greenland’s strategic military role, European reconnaissance deployments, and the split in Congress over annexation .
Timeline
Jan 16, 2026 – President Donald Trump tells a White House meeting that he “may impose a tariff on countries that do not back Greenland,” framing the island as essential to U.S. national security and signalling a willingness to use economic pressure to advance his goal [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – At a rural‑health event in the White House, Trump repeats the threat, adding that he “has previously threatened European allies with tariffs on pharmaceuticals,” marking his first public link of tariffs to the Greenland issue [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – An 11‑member bipartisan congressional delegation travels to Greenland and Denmark, meeting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen to “listen to locals and report back to Washington,” aiming to lower tensions and reassure allies [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – European allies—including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom—dispatch reconnaissance troops to Greenland, with President Emmanuel Macron saying the assets will be sent “soon,” underscoring NATO’s Arctic security role alongside the United States [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Danish officials stress that the White House has not discussed sending U.S. troops to Greenland, but acknowledge Denmark is taking Trump’s goal seriously and is seeking a “middle ground” to satisfy all parties, warning against any military escalation [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Congress splits over the island’s fate: Senator Lisa Murkowski co‑sponsors a bipartisan bill to block any annexation attempt, while a Republican congressman introduces a rival bill supporting annexation, reflecting deep partisan disagreement [1].
Jan 16, 2026 – Washington talks produce an agreement to form a working group on Greenland issues, though Danish officials and the White House present divergent public views on the group’s purpose, highlighting ongoing sovereignty disputes [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen declares, “If forced to choose, Greenland would back Denmark, NATO, and the EU,” emphasizing the territory’s alignment with its long‑standing partners over a unilateral U.S. takeover [2].
Jan 16, 2026 – Sara Olsvig, chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council in Nuuk, warns that “White House rhetoric about owning Greenland reveals how a major power views Indigenous peoples,” raising concerns about colonial attitudes in U.S. policy [2].