By benadeta mwaura - Reporter
United States, January 17, 2026 - Washington, Former U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered fresh geopolitical tensions after declaring that the United States will impose punitive tariffs on key European allies unless Denmark agrees to negotiations over the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
In a lengthy statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Trump accused Denmark and several European countries of exploiting the United States for decades by benefiting from tariff-free access while failing to contribute adequately to global security.
“We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the countries of the European Union, for many years by not charging them tariffs,” Trump wrote, adding that “world peace is at stake.” Tariffs Announced, Timeline Set Trump said that beginning February 1, 2026, the United States would impose a 10 percent tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. He warned that the tariff would rise sharply to 25 percent by June 1, 2026, unless a deal is reached.
According to Trump, the tariffs would remain in force until an agreement is concluded for Greenland to come under U.S. ownership, a proposal Denmark has historically and repeatedly rejected. Greenland Framed as Global Security Flashpoint Trump portrayed Greenland as central to global and U.S. national security, citing concerns over China and Russia’s interest in the Arctic, and linking the island to modern missile defense systems he described as “The Golden Dome.”
“Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land,” Trump said, claiming that only the United States has the capacity to secure Greenland effectively amid rising global tensions. He also criticized recent visits by European countries to Greenland, describing them as “dangerous” and accusing allies of creating an unsustainable security risk.
Longstanding U.S. Interest Revived
More from Kenya
The former president argued that U.S. interest in Greenland spans more than 150 years, noting that several American presidents had explored the idea of acquisition. He said modern weapons technology and expanding defense systems have made control of Greenland “especially important.”
Trump added that Washington remains “immediately open to negotiation” with Denmark and other European governments, despite what he described as decades of U.S. security protection for allied nations.
Diplomatic Fallout Likely
Trump’s remarks are expected to spark strong reactions across Europe, particularly in Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over Greenland while granting it extensive self-rule. Previous attempts by Trump to raise the idea of purchasing Greenland during his presidency were firmly rebuffed by Copenhagen and criticized by European leaders.
The threatened tariffs, if enacted, would represent a major escalation in U.S.–Europe trade relations and could disrupt transatlantic supply chains at a time of fragile global economic recovery. European governments had not issued immediate responses at the time of publication.
