Trump Vows Full NATO Tariffs to Force Greenland Deal, EU Prepares €93 B Counter‑Package
Updated (4 articles)
Tariff Threat Extends to All Eight NATO Allies Trump announced a 10 % tariff on February 1, rising to 25 % on June 1, targeting goods from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland until a Greenland purchase is secured [1][2][3]. He framed Greenland as “essential to national and world security” and linked the measure to a promised call with NATO secretary‑general Mark Rutte [1]. The plan marks the first instance of U.S. tariffs being used explicitly to pressure allies over a territorial acquisition [3].
EU Mobilises €93 B Retaliatory Tariff Package EU ambassadors discussed a coordinated retaliation worth up to €93 billion, to be deployed if Washington proceeds with the tariffs [2]. An emergency summit in Brussels will set the bloc’s response, while French and German finance ministers prepare a joint stance ahead of Davos [1][2]. Diplomats describe the approach as a “carrot‑and‑stick” mix of pressure and diplomatic overtures, aiming to preserve EU unity while forcing de‑escalation [2].
Denmark and NATO Reinforce Red Lines Denmark’s foreign minister warned that threats will not alter Greenland’s sovereignty and pledged no escalation [1]. In parallel, Denmark announced an expanded military presence in Greenland in coordination with NATO allies, underscoring regional security concerns [3]. A high‑level working group involving Danish and Greenlandic officials and the White House was created to explore a path that respects Denmark’s red lines [3][4].
U.S. Domestic Backlash and Legal Uncertainty A CNN poll shows only about 25 % of Americans support the Greenland acquisition, highlighting political risk for the administration [3]. Legal scholars note an upcoming Supreme Court ruling could restrict the president’s authority to impose country‑specific tariffs, potentially limiting Trump’s leverage [3]. The combination of low public backing and possible judicial constraints adds pressure on the administration to seek a diplomatic resolution [3].
Sources (4 articles)
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[1]
BBC: Trump Vows 100% to Pursue Greenland Tariffs as EU Vows to Defend Its Interests: Details Trump’s full‑scale tariff plan against eight NATO members, EU emergency summit plans, and Denmark’s firm stance .
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[2]
Newsweek: EU Weighs Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to Trump Greenland Bid: Explores the €93 billion EU tariff proposal, diplomatic “carrot‑and‑stick” strategy, and upcoming finance‑minister meetings .
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[3]
CNN: Trump Weighs Tariffs on Countries Opposing Greenland Annexation Plan: Reports on Trump’s threat to target non‑supportive allies, NATO security arguments, low U.S. public support, and looming Supreme Court limits .
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[4]
Yonhap: Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Opposing Greenland Acquisition: Highlights the bipartisan U.S. delegation to Denmark, Trump’s Truth Social security rationale, and a joint European statement defending Greenland’s self‑determination .
Timeline
Jan 16, 2026 – Trump threatens to levy tariffs on any country that opposes the United States’ bid to acquire Greenland, framing the move as a national‑security imperative during a White House health‑care event. He repeats the warning on Truth Social, saying the U.S. “must acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining an advantage” and that NATO “will be stronger with Greenland in U.S. hands”[4]. A bipartisan congressional delegation led by Sen. Chris Coons and Sen. Thom Tillis travels to Copenhagen to affirm support for Denmark and Greenland amid rising European concerns[4]. European leaders from France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and Denmark issue a joint statement that “Greenland belongs to its people” and that any decision must rest with Denmark and Greenland[4].
Jan 17, 2026 – At a White House gathering, Trump signals he may impose tariffs on nations that do not back his Greenland annexation plan, marking the first time he ties trade penalties to diplomatic alignment on the issue[2]. He argues that U.S. control of Greenland “serves national‑security interests and strengthens NATO’s northern flank,” positioning the island as strategically essential[2]. A CNN poll shows only about 25 % of Americans support the acquisition, underscoring domestic political risk[2]. Denmark responds by expanding its military footprint in Greenland in coordination with NATO allies, signaling a robust regional deterrent[2]. Diplomatic talks continue as Denmark’s foreign minister and Greenlandic leaders meet the White House to form a high‑level working group that respects Denmark’s red lines, while legal analysts warn a pending Supreme Court ruling could curb the president’s country‑specific tariff authority[2].
Jan 18, 2026 – EU ambassadors discuss a retaliatory tariff package worth up to €93 billion as leverage against Trump’s Greenland bid, aiming to preserve EU unity ahead of the Davos meetings[3]. A European diplomat describes the EU’s approach as “carrot‑and‑stick,” offering room for de‑escalation while keeping retaliation tools ready[3]. Trump’s push heightens tensions with Denmark and other NATO members, who oppose the annexation and view it as a breach of alliance cohesion[3]. He reiterates that “Greenland is vital to U.S. security” and that the United States must obtain the island because Denmark “cannot defend it”[3]. The proposed tariffs would start at 10 % on Feb 1 and rise to 25 % on Jun 1, remaining in place until a Greenland deal is reached[3]. EU finance ministers from France and Germany plan to meet before a broader EU finance‑minister summit in Brussels, signaling a coordinated response ahead of Davos[3].
Jan 19, 2026 – Trump vows to apply 100 % tariff pressure on Greenland, announcing a 10 % tariff on Feb 1 that climbs to 25 % on Jun 1, targeting the UK and seven other NATO allies (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland) until Washington secures a purchase deal[1]. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warns that “threats won’t secure Greenland” and reaffirms Europe’s red lines, refusing to let sovereignty be bargained away[1]. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stresses that the island’s future “lies with Greenlanders and Danes alone,” echoing Denmark’s stance[1]. Trump cites a “very good telephone call” with NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte and a multilateral meeting in Switzerland, using diplomatic contacts to bolster his position[1]. The EU announces an emergency summit in Brussels, with foreign‑policy chief Kaja Kallas stating that “sovereignty is not for trade” and that the bloc will stand firm[1].
Jan 20, 2026 – The European Union finalizes preparations for the emergency summit in Brussels, where leaders plan to adopt a unified response to Trump’s tariff threats and Greenland annexation push. Kaja Kallas reiterates that “sovereignty is not for trade,” signaling that the EU will defend member‑state territorial integrity against economic coercion[1]. The summit is set to coincide with ongoing diplomatic talks, aiming to de‑escalate the sovereignty clash while preserving trans‑Atlantic alliance cohesion.