In January 2026, President Trump has increasingly framed his use of tariffs not just as an economic policy, but as a strategic tool to achieve "world peace" and global stability. This shift in rhetoric underscores a worldview where American economic strength is used as leverage to shape international relations and resolve geopolitical conflicts.
As of late January 2026, Trump’s "peace through tariffs" strategy has manifested in several high-profile international disputes:
1. The Greenland Dispute
Trump recently used the threat of 10% to 25% tariffs on several European nations to pressure them into supporting a U.S. acquisition of Greenland.
National Security Framing: He stated that "order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken" to secure Greenland, which he views as vital for the security of the entire Arctic region.
Current Status: On January 21, 2026, after meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump backed away from these tariff threats, citing a "framework of a future deal" regarding Arctic security.
2. "Board of Peace" Initiative
On January 22, 2026, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump formally established the Board of Peace (BoP), an organization he purports will promote global peacekeeping.
Transactional Peace: Permanent membership requires a financial commitment of $1 billion.
Alternative to UN: Critics and some world leaders have expressed concern that the board is intended to serve as a Trump-led alternative to the United Nations Security Council.
3. Recent Tariff Actions (Late January 2026)
Trump continues to use tariffs as a "diplomatic hammer" to influence foreign trade and alliances:
Canada: Trump recently threatened 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Prime Minister Mark Carney moves forward with a new trade deal with China, which Trump claims would allow China to "devour" Canada.
South Korea: On January 26, 2026, Trump announced an increase in tariffs on South Korean goods (including autos and pharmaceuticals) from 15% to 25%, accusing the country's legislature of failing to enact a previously agreed-upon trade framework.
Iran: Earlier in January 2026, he announced a 25% tariff on any country that continues to trade with Iran.
4. Broad Reciprocal Tariff Policy
The administration continues to implement a "reciprocal tariff" system, authorized by an April 2025 executive order using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This includes a baseline 10% universal tariff on all imports, plus additional retaliatory rates for countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S..