Trump Slaps Tariffs Against NATO Allies in Dispute Over Greenland
US targets European member states amid growing tensions over Washington’s territorial ambitions
United States | PUREWILAYAH.COM - US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of new tariffs on several European NATO member states after they opposed Washington’s plan to acquire Greenland, escalating a dispute that has exposed fractures within the transatlantic alliance.
The measures apply to eight European NATO countries, including Denmark, which retains sovereignty over the autonomous territory. Trump said the tariffs will remain in place until what he described as a “complete and total purchase” of Greenland is achieved.
Tariffs Announced as Political Pressure
Under the plan outlined by Trump, a 10 percent tariff will take effect on February 1, increasing to 25 percent in June. The tariffs will remain in force unless an agreement is reached regarding Greenland’s transfer to US control.
The affected countries are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—all formal US allies within NATO.
Trump justified the move on grounds of US national security, claiming that Greenland faces potential threats from China and Russia. These claims have been rejected by Beijing and Moscow and disputed by regional officials.
Expansionist Rhetoric Raises Concern
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly stated that the United States requires control over Greenland for strategic reasons and has suggested that Washington could pursue the matter by force if necessary, remarks that have raised concern among European governments.
The president confirmed the tariffs in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, accusing several European states of conducting unspecified activities in Greenland.
NATO Unity Strained
While European NATO members have largely avoided direct public confrontation with Washington, the dispute has strained alliance unity. Several European states have deployed limited military contingents to Greenland in a symbolic show of support for Denmark.
The episode has highlighted longstanding concerns over power asymmetry within NATO, where US economic and political leverage continues to outweigh the collective positions of European members.
Denmark and Greenland Reject Transfer
Both Danish and Greenlandic authorities have firmly rejected any proposal to transfer sovereignty over the island to the United States.
Officials in Copenhagen and Nuuk have reiterated that Greenland’s status can only be determined by its population. In a 2008 referendum, Greenlanders voted to retain autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The dispute reflects a broader trend in US foreign policy, where economic measures are increasingly used to advance strategic objectives, even against allied states.
The Greenland issue has become a test case for NATO cohesion and for Europe’s ability to respond when US strategic ambitions conflict with the sovereignty of its partners. (PW)