In a bold escalation of his administration’s long-standing ambitions, President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning over Greenland, demanding action against what he calls the ‘Russian threat.’ Posting on Truth Social, Trump declared that NATO has urged Denmark for 20 years to secure the Arctic island from Russian influence, but to no avail. ‘Now the time has come, and it will be done!’ he wrote.
This comes amid heightened tensions as Trump’s second term ramps up pressure on Denmark, which administers Greenland. The U.S. has coveted the strategically vital territory for decades due to its mineral resources, military positioning, and proximity to Russia. Trump argues that without American control, either China or Russia will seize it, endangering U.S. security.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump announced 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK—effective February 1. He threatened to hike them to 25% by June 1 unless a deal for Greenland’s ‘full purchase’ is reached. The targeted countries responded with a unified statement of solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
The European Union is reportedly mulling countermeasures, including up to 93 billion euros in retaliatory tariffs and laws to restrict U.S. firms’ access to European markets. This trade war escalation underscores Trump’s aggressive ‘America First’ stance, blending economic leverage with geopolitical maneuvering.
As Arctic competition intensifies with melting ice opening new shipping routes and resources, Trump’s move signals a new chapter in U.S. foreign policy. Will Denmark yield, or will this spark a broader transatlantic rift? The world watches closely.