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Trump’s 10% Greenland Tariffs Begin Feb 1, Europe Rallies in Defense

Updated (2 articles)

Tariff Schedule Commences February, Escalates in June The United States will impose a 10 % levy on imports from eight allied nations starting 1 February, rising to 25 % on 1 June and remaining until a Greenland agreement is reached [1][2]. The targeted countries include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom [1]. Trump framed the measures as leverage to secure a deal on Greenland, claiming the U.S. has long subsidized European partners [2].

European Leaders Unite Behind Denmark and Greenland Denmark’s prime minister Mette Frederiksen declared that Europe will not be blackmailed and called for continent‑wide unity [1]. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, French President Emmanuel Macron, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer all pledged solidarity, emphasizing Greenland’s autonomy within Denmark [2][1]. The coalition stressed that collective action is essential to preserve NATO cohesion and Arctic security [2][1].

Arctic Security Framed as Transatlantic Priority European officials highlighted a pre‑coordinated Danish military exercise with allies, asserting it strengthens Arctic security without threatening Russia [2]. They warned that tariff pressure could deepen divisions within NATO and undermine joint security efforts in the high north [1][2]. The United Kingdom announced it would address the issue directly with the White House, underscoring the alliance’s diplomatic route [1].

Public Backlash and Diplomatic Engagement Intensify Protests erupted in Nuuk and several Danish cities, reflecting popular opposition to the U.S. Greenland plan [1]. A U.S. congressional delegation visited Copenhagen, signaling ongoing diplomatic dialogue amid the crisis [1]. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only a minority of Americans support the Greenland acquisition, with a sizable share opposed [1].

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Timeline

Jan 18, 2026 – President Donald Trump unveils a two‑stage tariff threat, imposing a 10 % levy on imports from eight allied nations starting Feb 1 and raising it to 25 % on June 1, to remain until a “Greenland deal” is reached. He frames the tariffs as leverage for NATO and Arctic security, claiming the U.S. has “subsidized Denmark and Europe for years” and that the move is “vital to world peace.” [2]

Jan 18, 2026 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly defend Greenland’s autonomy within Denmark and warn that Trump’s tariff pressure could fracture NATO and undermine Arctic security cooperation. Von der Leyen stresses that a pre‑coordinated Danish exercise with allies “strengthens Arctic security” and poses no threat. [2]

Jan 19, 2026 – Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declares that Europe will not be blackmailed by the U.S. tariff threat, urging continent‑wide unity and cooperation while emphasizing Denmark’s commitment to a diplomatic solution on Greenland. [1]

Jan 19, 2026 – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer labels the proposed tariffs “completely wrong,” pledging to raise the issue directly with the White House and insisting that any dispute be handled within the NATO framework. [1]

Jan 19, 2026 – Demonstrations erupt in Nuuk and several Danish cities, reflecting public anger at Trump’s Greenland plans, while a U.S. congressional delegation arrives in Copenhagen, underscoring the mix of protest and high‑level diplomatic engagement. [1]

Jan 19, 2026 – A Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that only a minority of Americans back the United States taking Greenland, with a sizable share opposing the move, highlighting limited domestic support for the President’s strategy. [1]