Trump says 'it’s time' to counter Russian threat near Greenland, citing 20 years of NATO warnings

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Sunday, January 18, that Denmark has failed to address what he described as a Russian “threat” in Greenland. In a post on Truth Social, “Now it is time, and it will be done,” while claiming NATO has warned Denmark about the issue for the past two decades. 

Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. However, officials in both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected the idea, stressing that the island is not for sale and has no intention of becoming part of the United States.

The remarks come amid heightened focus on Arctic security, where Greenland’s strategic location has drawn growing interest from global powers.

Trump warns Denmark has failed to address Russian threat 

In his Truth Social post, Trump wrote, "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"

The comments come as tensions rise between the United States and some European countries. In another Truth Social announcement, Trump said, “Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America (sic).” 

Trump also warned that tariffs would increase if Greenland did not come under US control. “On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland (sic).” European leaders strongly criticized the move, calling it coercive and damaging to transatlantic relations.

Trump’s Greenland tariff threat could strain US-Europe relations

Denmark expressed surprise at Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland, a self-governing territory whose defence is handled by Copenhagen.

Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for insufficient defense spending and has used trade penalties as leverage against allies. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called the announcement unexpected. 

Greenland remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. The United States already maintains a military presence on the island under a 1951 defense agreement and operates the Pituffik Space Base, which plays a critical role in missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance for both the US and NATO.