President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on several European countries beginning Feb. 1, tying the move directly to his long-standing push for the United States to acquire Greenland, a move that has triggered swift resistance from European leaders.
In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said the U.S. would levy a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, with the rate set to rise to 25% starting June 1 unless negotiations lead to what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump framed the proposal as a national security issue, asserting that U.S. control of Greenland is critical to American defense interests. He claimed the United States “has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years,” while adding that Washington remains open to negotiations with Denmark and other affected countries.
European leaders responded with a unified stance. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa issued a joint statement warning that the tariff threats risk damaging transatlantic relations and escalating into a broader economic confrontation.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral,” the statement said, adding that the European Union stands firmly behind Denmark and Greenland and remains committed to defending its sovereignty.
EU officials confirmed an emergency meeting was scheduled in Brussels to discuss potential responses to the proposed tariffs.
Trade and legal experts cautioned that Trump’s tariff announcements, made via social media, do not automatically carry legal force without formal executive action. As of Sunday, no implementing orders had been issued.
Analysts also warned that the threats introduce significant uncertainty for global markets and U.S. industries that rely on European imports, at a time when the administration is navigating trade negotiations, geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China, and broader economic growth goals.
The latest move reinforces expectations that tariff volatility will continue into 2026, raising concerns among importers and global trading partners about the stability of U.S. trade policy.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
