Trump Warns of Tariffs on Countries That Don’t Support U.S. Control of Greenland

U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States may impose tariffs on countries that do not back America’s effort to take control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, in comments that have stirred controversy among foreign allies and trade partners.

Speaking at a White House event, Mr. Trump said that the United States “needs Greenland for national security” and that he might punish nations with economic penalties if they fail to support the U.S. position on the Arctic territory.

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” he said, framing the potential tariffs as part of America’s broader strategic interest. Trump noted that similar tariff threats had been used previously in negotiations with European countries over drug pricing.

The remarks come amid a long-running dispute over Trump’s stated ambition for the United States to gain influence or control over Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but enjoys extensive self-government. Denmark and Greenlandic leaders have firmly rejected any notion of selling or ceding control of the island, emphasizing its sovereignty and strategic importance in its own right.

Earlier this week, foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in an effort to ease tensions. While the meeting resulted in the formation of a working group, public statements by both sides underscored ongoing differences over the territory’s future.

European leaders have also reiterated that decisions about Greenland’s status are strictly a matter for Denmark and the island’s government, and Denmark has announced plans to boost its military presence in Greenland alongside NATO allies.

The potential use of tariffs as leverage in a geopolitical dispute marks a notable escalation in U.S. trade and foreign policy, raising questions about the impact on transatlantic relations and international cooperation on Arctic security issues.