Trump announces 10% tariffs on imports from key European nations starting February 1

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump intensified his standoff with Europe on Saturday, January 17, announcing a new round of tariffs aimed at pressuring allied governments to approve the sale of Greenland.

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said the United States would impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European nations beginning February 1, warning that "World Peace" was at stake if the territory was not transferred.

The ultimatum targeted Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump said that the tariff would rise to 25% on June 1 if a deal for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” was not reached.

Trump claims 'World Peace is at stake'

In his post, Trump argued that the United States had effectively “subsidized” these countries for decades by not imposing tariffs. “Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back,” he wrote.

He claimed that Denmark lacked the capacity to defend the island, asserting that Greenland “currently has two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”

Trump also said, “China and Russia want Greenland,” and that only the United States can prevent rival powers from moving in.

Describing the situation as “very dangerous,” Trump said that European officials traveling to Greenland for “purposes unknown” were increasing global risk.

‘Golden Dome’ requires land acquisition

Trump tied the demand directly to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.

He said the program requires Greenland’s geography to function effectively because of “angles, metes, and bounds.”

He argued that modern offensive and defensive weapons systems made control of the territory “especially important” for the protection of both the United States and Canada.

Trump described Greenland as a “sacred piece of land” and said that it would not be left exposed under his leadership.

NATO alliance strained by threats

The tariff threat marked a sharp escalation with NATO allies and placed new strain on the alliance formed in 1949.

It remained unclear how the administration would implement the measures under existing law, though Trump had previously cited emergency economic powers that were currently under review by the Supreme Court.

European resistance to the Greenland proposal had grown in recent weeks, even as several governments agreed last year to 15% tariffs to preserve trade relations with Washington.

Greenland protests amid diplomatic fallout

In Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, hundreds gathered in near-freezing rain to protest the proposal. Demonstrators waved red-and-white flags and carried signs reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future.”

At the same time, a bipartisan US congressional delegation traveled to Copenhagen in an effort to ease tensions. Senator Chris Coons said he hoped Denmark would not “abandon their faith in the American people,” stressing the importance of the long-standing alliance.