Topline
President Donald Trump on Saturday announced he will impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries that have this week sent military personnel to Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that that president is attempting to take over.
Key Facts
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will face the tariff—effective Feb. 1— “on any and all goods sent to the United States of America,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The tariff will increase to 25% on June 1, according to Trump, who said the payments will be due until his proposed purchase of Greenland is complete.
Trump reiterated that China and Russia also want Greenland, writing “there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it” and that it’s “time for Denmark to give back” at the stake of world peace.
His announcement comes just a day after threatening potential tariffs during a White House roundtable discussion: “We need Greenland with national security, so I may do that.”
Crucial Quote
“These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said. “Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”
Key Background
Trump’s announcement is in retaliation against countries that earlier in the week began providing military aid to Greenland. The intention, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said Thursday, was “to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution.”
Chief Critic
Kemi Badnoch, leader of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, called the tariffs a “terrible idea” that Trump is “completely wrong” to impose on the UK: “These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country. The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland.”
Further Reading
U.S. And Denmark Still Have ‘Fundamental Disagreement’ About Greenland After White House Meeting, Danish Official Says (Forbes)
Trump Says U.S. Will Do ‘Something’ On Greenland: ‘Either The Nice Way Or The More Difficult Way’ (Forbes)
These Billionaires Bet Big On Greenland—After Trump Took Interest (Forbes)