In a Truth Social post from West Palm Beach, President Trump signaled that his interest in Greenland has moved from rhetoric to an aggressive trade war. Citing “national security” and the alleged threat of Russia and China in the Arctic, the President targeted countries that have vocally opposed his annexation plans or participated in recent military exercises in the territory.
The Affected “Eight”
The 10% tariff, effective February 1, 2026, applies to all goods sent to the U.S. from:
- Denmark
- The United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Norway
- Sweden
- The Netherlands
- Finland
Why Now? The “Purposes Unknown” Deployment
The immediate trigger for the tariffs appears to be Operation Arctic Endurance, a small-scale, symbolic deployment of troops from these eight nations to Greenland earlier in the week. While the European leaders described the move as a routine exercise to enhance Arctic security, Trump characterized the mission as “journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown,” calling it a “dangerous situation for the Survival of our Planet.”
| Milestone Date | Action |
| Jan 17, 2026 | Initial tariff announcement (10%) |
| Feb 1, 2026 | 10% tariff becomes “due and payable” |
| June 1, 2026 | Rate increases to 25% without a buyout deal |
Global Reactions: “Completely Wrong”
The announcement drew swift and unusually blunt condemnation from America’s closest allies:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Called the tariffs “completely wrong,” reiterating that Greenland’s future is a matter for the Danes and Greenlanders alone.
- French President Emmanuel Macron: Labeled the move “unacceptable” and stated that “no amount of intimidation” would change Europe’s course on protecting Danish sovereignty.
- Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen: Expressed “surprise” at the escalation, noting that meetings with U.S. officials earlier in the week had been “constructive.”
Impact on the “Golden Dome”
Trump argued that U.S. ownership of Greenland is essential for the “Golden Dome”—a highly complex missile defense system. He claimed that the system requires specific “angles, metes, and bounds” that can only be achieved if the land is under U.S. sovereignty. He further alleged that Denmark is currently incapable of defending the island, mockingly stating they have “two dogsleds for protection.”
Conclusion: A Threat to NATO?
The “Greenland Crisis” has put the NATO alliance under unprecedented strain. European leaders, including EU Council President António Costa, are now coordinating a joint response, with some MEPs suggesting a suspension of the EU-US trade pact negotiated last year. With the U.S. Supreme Court currently reviewing the legality of the President’s emergency tariff powers, the coming weeks will determine if this Arctic standoff triggers a permanent rupture in transatlantic relations.
