Trump Refuses to Dismiss Force Option on Greenland Amid Tariffs, NATO Buildup, and Mass Protests
Updated (2 articles)
Trump’s ambiguous stance fuels diplomatic strain In an NBC interview, President Trump answered “no comment” when asked if he would use the military to seize Greenland, while linking his position to a recent Nobel Peace Prize snub [1][2]. His refusal to rule out force has intensified U.S.–European tensions and prompted NATO allies to reassess Arctic security arrangements. The president’s evasive reply leaves policy options open, complicating diplomatic negotiations.
U.S. public overwhelmingly rejects military action A CBS News/YouGov poll conducted Jan 14‑16 shows 86 % of American adults oppose any military seizure of Greenland, including 70 % of Republicans [1][2]. While 64 % of Republicans favor a purchase using federal funds, overall support for a buyout sits at only 30 % across the electorate. The poll underscores broad bipartisan resistance to aggressive U.S. moves in the Arctic.
Tariff threats target eight European nations Trump announced a 10 % tariff on eight European states beginning Feb 1, rising to 25 % on June 1 until a Greenland deal is reached [1][2]. The EU estimates retaliatory measures could total up to €93 billion, while the United Kingdom currently declines to retaliate. The tariff lever is intended to pressure Denmark and its allies into conceding U.S. demands.
NATO accelerates Arctic security deployments European NATO members have begun troop exercises in Greenland under the “Arctic Endurance” program, signaling collective defense resolve [1]. The United States will soon station aircraft at Pituffik Space Base to support NORAD, coordinated with Denmark. Denmark also proposes a NATO surveillance mission and increased investment in Greenland’s infrastructure.
European leaders and Greenlanders protest U.S. pressure Mass demonstrations in Nuuk and Copenhagen featured red MAGA‑style hats reading “Make America Go Away,” reflecting strong regional opposition [1]. EU Parliament President Metsola declared Greenland “not for sale,” and the European High Representative pledged to stand with Denmark while keeping dialogue open [1][2]. NATO issued a joint statement warning that tariff threats could trigger a dangerous downward spiral in trans‑Atlantic relations.
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
Newsweek: Trump declines to rule out force on Greenland as NATO tensions flare: details Trump’s “no comment” interview, the 10 %/25 % tariff plan, protests in Denmark and Greenland, NATO Arctic exercises, and EU leaders’ sovereignty reaffirmation .
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[2]
Newsweek: Republicans largely oppose Trump using military to seize Greenland, poll shows: focuses on the CBS/YouGov poll showing 86 % U.S. opposition, Republican purchase preferences, the same tariff schedule, NATO’s joint statement, and Trump’s evasive response .
Timeline
Jan 14‑16, 2026 – A CBS News/YouGov poll finds that 86 % of U.S. adults oppose any military action to take Greenland, including 70 % of Republicans; however, 64 % of Republicans favor a federal‑funded purchase while overall 70 % oppose a buyout. The data signals broad domestic resistance that could constrain the administration’s options. [1][2]
Jan 19, 2026 – President Trump warns NATO that any outcome short of U.S. control of Greenland is “unacceptable,” prompting an emergency EU summit to coordinate a response to his looming tariff threat. [1]
Jan 19, 2026 – Trump announces a 10 % tariff on Denmark and several EU states starting Feb 1, set to rise to 25 % on June 1 until a Greenland deal is reached, using economic pressure as leverage in the dispute. [1]
Jan 19, 2026 – NATO allies issue a joint statement condemning the tariff threat and warning that it could trigger a “dangerous downward spiral” in trans‑Atlantic relations, underscoring the alliance’s unified stance against coercive measures. [1]
Jan 19, 2026 – When asked directly whether he would use the military to seize Greenland, Trump replies “no comment,” leaving the possibility of force officially open while heightening diplomatic uncertainty. [1]
Jan 20, 2026 – In an NBC interview, Trump again declines to rule out force on Greenland, linking his posture to a Nobel Peace Prize snub, which personalizes the geopolitical standoff. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 – Trump’s tariff plan expands to eight European nations, with the EU estimating potential retaliatory tariffs worth up to €93 billion; the United Kingdom says it is not currently considering retaliation. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 – Mass protests erupt in Nuuk and Copenhagen, featuring red MAGA‑style “Make America Go Away” hats; organizers frame the demonstrations as a reassertion of Greenlandic sovereignty against external interference. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 – NATO launches Arctic Endurance exercises, deploying troops to Greenland, while the United States prepares aircraft for Pituffik Space Base to support NORAD, signaling a coordinated security buildup in the Arctic. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 – European leaders reaffirm Greenland’s status, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola declaring the island “not for sale” and EU High Representative Josep Borrell (spelled Kallas in the source) pledging to stand with Denmark while remaining open to dialogue. [2]
External resources (2 links)
- https://www.politico.eu/article/greenland-dog-sled-race-organizers-probe-rogue-invite-to-donald-trump-jeff-landry-special-envoy/ (cited 3 times)
- https://x.com/NORADCommand (cited 3 times)