U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, framing the move as a response to unresolved negotiations over Greenland and broader national security concerns.
According to the announcement, a 10 percent tariff will be imposed on all goods entering the United States from the listed countries beginning February 1, 2026. The tariff rate is set to increase to 25 percent on June 1, 2026, and will remain in effect until what Trump described as a “complete and total” agreement is reached for the purchase of Greenland.
Trump argued that the United States has effectively subsidized Denmark and many European Union nations for decades by refraining from imposing tariffs or demanding other forms of compensation. He claimed that the time has come for Denmark to “give back,” asserting that global peace and security are now at stake.
The president stated that China and Russia are seeking influence over Greenland and claimed that Denmark lacks the capacity to adequately protect the territory. He emphasized that only the United States, under his leadership, is capable of ensuring Greenland’s security and preventing foreign powers from gaining a foothold there.
Trump also raised concerns about visits by Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland to Greenland, describing their activities as unclear and potentially destabilizing. He warned that such actions create risks that are neither sustainable nor acceptable for global safety.
Framing the tariffs as a defensive measure, Trump said decisive action is necessary to prevent the situation from escalating and to safeguard international peace and security. He described the tariff policy as a temporary but firm step designed to bring negotiations to a rapid conclusion.
The president noted that the United States has sought to acquire Greenland for more than 150 years, with multiple administrations pursuing the idea. He argued that advances in modern offensive and defensive weapons systems, including the development of the so-called “Golden Dome,” have made Greenland’s inclusion especially critical to U.S. and allied security infrastructure.
Trump added that hundreds of billions of dollars are being invested in security programs linked to the Dome, potentially including protection for Canada. He claimed the system can only achieve its maximum effectiveness if Greenland is part of it, due to strategic positioning and geographical considerations.
Despite the strong rhetoric, Trump said the United States remains open to immediate negotiations with Denmark and the other affected countries. He emphasized that talks could begin at any time, despite what he described as decades of U.S. support and protection for Europe.