Former U.S. President Donald Trump has accused several European nations of playing a ‘highly dangerous game’ regarding Greenland, a territory he has previously expressed interest in acquiring. Trump made the claims on his social media platform, asserting that global peace is ‘at stake’.
According to Trump, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland have been engaging in activities in Greenland with ‘unknown purposes’. He characterized these actions as an ‘unacceptable risk’. To counter what he perceived as a threat, Trump announced the implementation of a 10% tariff on goods from these nations, including France, effective February 1st. He further stated that these tariffs would escalate to 25% by June 1st and remain in place until an agreement is reached allowing the United States to purchase Greenland.
“After centuries, it is time for Denmark (Greenland) to give back. Global peace is at stake. China and Russia want Greenland, and Denmark is unable to do anything about it,” Trump wrote.
French President Emmanuel Macron responded to Trump’s tariff threat, calling it ‘unacceptable’. He stated that if the tariffs are implemented, Europe would respond in a coordinated manner. “We will not be affected by any intimidation or threat, not in Ukraine, not in Greenland, or anywhere else in the world, when we face such situations,” Macron affirmed.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to U.S. security, citing its geographical location and abundant mineral resources. He has not ruled out the use of military force to gain control of the island. In recent days, several European countries have reportedly sent a limited number of military personnel to the island at the request of Denmark.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan delegation of U.S. Congress members has expressed its support for Greenland during a visit where they met with the Danish Prime Minister, the Head of the Greenlandic Government, business leaders, and members of the Danish Parliament. Senator Chris Coons stated, “There is no time to discuss the matter now.”
