President Trump blindsided Nato allies tonight with his threat — over Truth Social — to slap them with fresh tariffs in response to their opposition to his desired takeover of Greenland (Katy Balls writes).
It will also surprise some in Washington DC, who questioned how serious the US president was about ownership of the Arctic island. The polling to date suggests that most Americans do not share the president’s appetite. A CNN poll released Thursday found that 75 per cent of those surveyed opposed America “attempting to take control of Greenland.
When it comes to Republican lawmakers, many see Greenland as strategically important and even preferable to be part of America. However, several take issue with the idea that the US could take it by force. As Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican, recently put it, Greenland needs to be viewed as a US ally, “not as an asset.”
EU ambassadors summoned for emergency meeting
European Union ambassadors have been summoned to Brussels for an emergency meeting.
Ambassadors from all 27 EU countries will convene on Sunday, according to Cyprus, which holds the six-month rotating EU presidency.
The meeting is scheduled for 4pm UK time.
President of European Commission warns against tariffs
The president of the European Commission has warned of a “dangerous downward spiral” if Trump imposes the tariffs.
Ursula von der Leyen said in a post on social media: “The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
Von der Leyen added that “territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.”
Is Trump also aiming for Panama?
At his inauguration a year ago, Trump vowed to “take back” the Panama Canal, declaring that the US was being “ripped off” by the country, a close US ally. The crisis was averted by a concerted diplomatic effort from the Panamanian government, who insist today that relations with the US remain positive.
But among many Panamanians, the fear of US intervention remains — bolstered by memories of 1989, when the US invaded the country to oust its dictator, Manuel Noriega.
• Read in full: ‘Trump thinks he owns Latin America’: is the Panama Canal next?
Trump ‘punishing allies for lawful security decisions’
The chair of the Commons business and trade committee has accused President Trump of setting a “dangerous precedent” by levying additional tariffs.
Liam Byrne, a Labour MP and former minister, said: “This isn’t trade policy. It’s pressure politics. Using tariffs to punish allies for lawful security decisions sets a dangerous precedent.”
Byrne added Britain “must now stand with its allies to force a rethink — calmly, collectively — but with consequences”.
‘Bad for America, great for Putin and Xi’
A senior Republican has said the threat of additional tariffs was “bad for America, bad for American businesses and bad for America’s allies”.
Thom Tillis, a senator from North Carolina, added: “It’s great for Putin, Xi and other adversaries who want to see Nato divided.
“The fact that a small handful of ‘advisers’ are actively pushing for coercive action to seize territory of an ally is beyond stupid. It hurts the legacy of President Trump and undercuts all the work he has done to strengthen the Nato alliance over the years.”
This comes as a surprise, says Denmark
Trump’s threat to impose tariffs took Denmark by surprise, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister, has admitted. He rejected Trump’s suggestion that a small joint exercise with European allies was intended to provoke America.
Rasmussen, who met JD Vance, the vice-president, and Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, for talks in Washington on Wednesday, said in a statement: “The president’s announcement comes as a surprise.
“The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland, to which the president refers, is precisely to increase security in the Arctic. We are in close contact with the EU Commission and our other partners on the matter.”
At Wednesday’s meeting, the Danes and Americans had agreed to set up a working group to “address America’s security concerns” while respecting Denmark’s “red lines” on its sovereignty.
Starmer: Tariff threat ‘completely wrong’
Sir Keir Starmer has said the threat of tariffs was “completely wrong” and he would be raising the matter directly with the Trump administration.
In a statement on Saturday evening, the prime minister said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear: it is part of the kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
How much would it cost to buy Greenland?
Although Denmark has repeatedly refused to entertain the notion, some estimates suggest the US could have to pay as much as $700 billion to purchase the territory.
A recent cost estimate was developed by academics and former US officials as part of a planning exercise by the Trump administration.
To put the figure in context, the total defence budget this year is about $960 billion.
America has tried to buy Greenland several times, including in 1946 when James Byrnes, secretary of state under President Truman, offered Denmark $100 million.
Analysis: Europe cannot do nothing
European leaders know it would set a hugely dangerous precedent if they sat back and allowed Trump to dismember a country that is both a Nato ally and a member of the European Union (Peter Conradi writes).
Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, warned earlier this month that an American attack on Greenland would spell the end of the North Atlantic alliance.
Thomas Bernt, a commentator for Berlingske, a leading Danish newspaper, called Trump’s move a “completely unprecedented and dramatic escalation of the crisis over Greenland” and said the EU must respond firmly.
‘We stand by sending troops to Greenland’
European soldiers attend a briefing during a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland, on Friday
DANISH DEFENCE/REUTERS
Macron defended the decision by eight countries, including France and the UK, to send a small number of military personnel on a reconnaissance mission to Greenland.
He said: “We stand by this decision. Especially because it concerns security in the Arctic and at the frontiers of our Europe.”
Macron: Trump threat ‘unacceptable’
President Macron has called Trump’s tariff threats “unacceptable” and said he stands by the decision to participate in joint military exercises in Greenland.
He said on social media that his country was “committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe as elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our attachment to the United Nations and to our charter.”
Macron compared Trump’s aim to control of Greenland to Russia’s attempt to seize Ukraine.
He said: “No intimidation or threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations.”
European countries will respond in a “united and co-ordinated manner” he said. “It is in this spirit that I will speak with our European partners.”
We must match Trump’s tariffs, says Verhofstadt
Guy Verhofstadt, the former Belgian prime minister, has called for reciprocal tariffs on the United States.
He said the European Union must match Trump by imposing an equivalent 10 per cent levy on all American imports, rising to 25 per cent “if the American tariffs stay in place”.
The senior MEP also demanded the EU “break up American internet monopolies”, and establish a European defence union with a joint army to balance American power.
In a separate tweet, he called on Sir Tony Blair to reject his appointment to the Gaza board of peace, which will be led by Donald Trump.
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Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical left France Unbowed party, said Europe was paying the price for its failure to stand up to President Trump when he imposed tariffs on America’s trade partners last year.
He also accused Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, of caving in to pressure from the US.
He said on X: “Europe is undergoing another test from Trump. Von der Leyen already gave in this summer. Servility always leads to more provocation and submission.”
We will not be blackmailed, says Swedish PM
Ulf Kristersson, the prime minister of Sweden, has said he is in “intensive discussions” with the UK and Norway over a co-ordinated response to the threatened tariffs.
He said on social media that his country would not be “blackmailed” by Trump over the sovereignty of Greenland.
He said: “Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland. I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbors. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out.
“We will not let ourselves be blackmailed.”
Legality of tariffs uncertain
Whether President Trump can legally impose these higher tariffs is far from certain. He is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on whether his sweeping use of the power to date complies with federal law.
The tariffs are being challenged by a number of small businesses and a group of US states. They argue the president exceeded his authority in imposing the levies over the past year.
Trump used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants presidents additional economic powers in times of war or national emergency.
If the court rules against the administration, the United States could have to refund some of the billions of dollars it has already collected.
Trump said on Monday the refunds would be “almost impossible for our country to pay”.
EU chief: we will defend international law
António Costa, president of the European Council, said the EU would always defend international law in the face of President Trump’s threatened additional tariffs.
He said he was coordinating an EU-wide response.
“What we can say is that the European Union will always be very firm in defending international law, wherever it may be, which of course begins within the territory of the member states of the European Union,” he said at a press conference on Saturday evening.
He added: “For now, I am co-ordinating a joint response from the member states of the European Union on this issue.”
‘Violation of trade agreements’
A former prime minister of Sweden has said the EU should react with strength to the latest tariff threats.
Carl Bildt, now chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank, said it was “a crystal clear violation” of trade agreements between the EU and the US and between the UK and the US.
He said: “If this goes into force the EU reaction must be as clear. To play soft is hardly an option.”
Analysis: Speed of move caught Europe off guard
When Britain and other European leaders decided to send a token military force to Greenland this week to help defend the Arctic island, they appeared to think it would appease Donald Trump (Peter Conradi, Europe Editor, writes).
Instead, it seems to have had the opposite effect of antagonising the American president and spurring him into imposing tariffs on them. They had, he claimed, “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown”.
European leaders were caught off guard by the speed of Trump’s move. Overnight, a vague threat from the president on Friday had turned into firm American policy, posing a dilemma for Sir Keir Starmer, and the leaders of Denmark and the other six European countries that sent their forces to Greenland.
An hour after Trump dropped his bombshell, none had yet reacted.
Farage: These tariffs will hurt us
Nigel Farage has said he does not agree with Trump’s proposed tariffs and equated the security position of Greenland to the Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands.
The Reform UK leader said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us.”
He added: “If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another look at Diego Garcia.”
In May 2025, the British government agreed to give sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base on the island of Diego Garcia for £101 million a year. The base has long been seen as a deterrent to China’s growing influence in the region.
Less incentive to buy from Britain
Trump first floated the notion of tariffs during an event at the White House on Friday. He said: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.”
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, which are paid to the government by companies bringing in foreign products.
Firms can choose to pass some or all of the extra cost onto their customers, meaning higher prices for ordinary Americans and less incentive to buy goods from Britain.
The US is the UK’s largest trading partner. In 2024 Britain exported almost £60 billion of goods to the US.
Why is Trump so interested in Greenland?
The territory’s natural resources and position in the Arctic Circle have put it firmly in the US president’s sights.
Greenland is rich in largely untapped mineral and hydrocarbon resources:
And its position in the Arctic is gaining strategic significance as ice caps melt, potentially opening up new shipping routes.
• Read in full: Why does Trump want Greenland?
Starmer must stand firm against bully Trump, says Davey
Ed Davey said the recent tariff threat meant the government’s policy towards the US “lies in tatters”.
In a post on social media, the Liberal Democrat leader said: “Trump is now punishing the UK and Nato allies just for doing the right thing.
“Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.”
‘Greenland not for sale’
Demonstrators marched to the US embassy in the Danish capital on Saturday as protesters also gathered in Nuuk, Greenland.
“We are demonstrating against American ambitions to annex Greenland,” said Camilla Siezing, chair of Inuit, the Joint Association of Greenlandic Local Associations in Denmark.
• Read in full: ‘Greenland not for sale’: protests in Denmark against Trump takeover
Denmark visit failed to defuse tensions
The fresh threats of tariffs come despite a visit from US members of congress to Denmark yesterday.
The bipartisan group met Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the prime minister of Greenland, in an effort to defuse tensions over Greenland.
Chris Coons, a Democratic senator, led the group and pledged to “lower the temperature and have a more constructive dialogue about the best path forward”.
During the visit, Lisa Murkowski, a Republican senator from Alaska, said the “vast majority” of Americans didn’t think that acquiring Greenland was a good idea.
Trump posted a picture of himself on his Truth Social platform last night, titled “The Tariff King”.
President has eyed Greenland for months
Trump has been insisting for months that the US should control Greenland. He said this week that anything less than territory being in US hands would be “unacceptable”.
His demands have been repeatedly rejected by Greenland’s leaders and by Denmark, which is a member of the Nato military alliance.
Greenland’s location between North America and the Arctic makes the island well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks and for monitoring vessels in the region.
The US operates one base in Greenland, the Pituffik Space Base, which it has controlled since World War Two. The base is used for monitoring missiles.
JD Vance visited the Pituffik base in March last year
JIM WATSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Badenoch criticises Trump’s ‘terrible idea’
Kemi Badenoch has called Trump’s proposed tariffs a “terrible idea”.
In a post on social media, the Conservative Party leader said: “President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.”
She said the tariffs will be “yet another” burden for businesses in the UK, adding: “The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland. On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
Levies to start at 10 per cent, rising to 25 per cent
Trump said that tariffs of 10 per cent on all goods sent to the US would begin on February 1, rising to 25 per cent by June 1.
He said: “We have subsidised Denmark and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back – World Peace is at stake!”
Tariffs to affect eight countries
The eight nations Trump has threatened with tariffs include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland.
They have been chosen in retaliation for recent trips to Greenland and for general opposition to his efforts to purchase the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory belonging to Denmark.
This week several of the European nations sent military officials to Greenland as part of a long-planned joint security exercise. The UK sent one military officer at Denmark’s request.
European soldiers attend a briefing during a military exercise in Nuuk, Greenland, this week
DANISH DEFENCE/REUTERS
European countries played ‘dangerous game’, says Trump
President Trump has announced that the UK and European countries will face new tariffs on exports unless a deal is agreed for the purchase of Greenland.
In a post on his TruthSocial platform, Trump said that tariffs would start at 10 per cent before increasing to 25 per cent in June.
The US president accused eight European countries, including the UK, Denmark and France, of playing a “dangerous game” by visiting Greenland in recent weeks.