U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday he will impose new tariffs on eight European countries starting February 1, 2026. The move targets Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump linked the tariffs directly to European opposition to U.S. control of Greenland, according to his Truth Social post.
Tariff Timeline and Greenland Demand
Trump said the United States will apply a 10% import tax on all goods from the eight countries. Notably, he said the rate will rise to 25% on June 1 without a Greenland purchase deal. He described the tariffs as “due and payable” until the United States secures full ownership of Greenland.
According to Trump, the decision followed recent visits to Greenland by representatives from Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland. He said those trips opposed U.S. interests in the territory. Trump also argued Greenland remains critical to the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
Greenland is a semiautonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, Trump said Russia and China could attempt to take control of the island. He did not explain how the tariffs would proceed under U.S. law, although emergency powers remain an option.
European Leaders Respond and Military Activity
European leaders responded quickly and in coordinated language. French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe will respond together to the tariff threats. France also confirmed participation in military exercises in Greenland alongside Denmark.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. She warned tariffs would damage transatlantic relations. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Greenland’s future belongs to Denmark and Greenlanders.
Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the Greenland deployments aim to strengthen Arctic security. He cited recent meetings with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio. He added that the military presence poses no threat.
Trade Fallout and Escalating Tensions
Following Trump’s statement, the European Union moved to halt the EU-U.S. trade deal process. Notably, the decision came amid growing diplomatic strain within NATO. The alliance dates back to 1949 and underpins transatlantic security cooperation.
German officials said Berlin has taken note of the threat and will coordinate with allies. Sweden, Norway, and Finland rejected the tariff pressure publicly. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Greenland and Denmark against U.S. acquisition efforts.
Trump’s announcement followed earlier NATO deployments to Greenland on Thursday. He cited those movements as further justification. The tariffs, if imposed, would affect all goods entering the United States from the eight nations.