President Trump threatens to impose tariffs on countries who opposite his plan for the US to acquire Greenland.
President Trump has escalated his campaign to acquire Greenland, pivoting from a "real estate deal" to a national security mandate backed by economic threats. On January 16, 2026, the President warned that any nation opposing U.S. control of the territory could face heavy trade tariffs.
"I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump stated.
The Current Situation
The Tariff Ultimatum: Trump compared the potential Greenland levies to his recent 25% tariffs on European pharmaceuticals, signaling he will use economic pressure to force a deal.
National Security: The White House maintains that U.S. control is essential to block Russia and China from the mineral-rich Arctic.
"The Hard Way": While Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly drafting a $700 billion purchase plan, the President has refused to rule out "the hard way"—including military options—to secure the island.
The Global Response
Danish Rejection: Denmark and Greenland's autonomous government have issued a firm "not for sale" stance, calling the threats "unacceptable."
NATO Tensions: European allies have launched "training exercises" in Greenland as a symbolic defense of sovereignty, warning that a forced takeover could end the NATO alliance.
Congressional Revolt: A bipartisan U.S. delegation traveled to Copenhagen this week to reassure allies that Congress views Greenland as an ally, not an asset.
