Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Opposing US Control of Greenland

Trump: Greenland is Vital for National Security

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has stated that he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plan to take control of Greenland. "I could impose a tax on countries if they do not join us in Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security," Trump remarked during a roundtable focused on rural health at the White House.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to take over Greenland, a request that has been rejected by Denmark and many other European nations. He claimed that Greenland is essential for the security of the U.S. due to its strategic position and abundant mineral resources, stating that the use of force is not off the table.

A bipartisan delegation of American lawmakers met on Friday with leaders from Denmark and Greenland in Copenhagen, attempting to "cool the atmosphere" with assurances of support from Congress after Trump’s threats to confiscate the Arctic island. This week, European nations sent a small number of troops to the island at Denmark's request.

The American delegation, consisting of 11 members and led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen, as well as Danish and Greenlandic parliamentarians. "There is a lot of rhetoric, but not much reality in the current discussions in Washington," Coons told reporters after the meetings, emphasizing that lawmakers wish to "cool the atmosphere" upon their return home.

In search of an agreement, Trump's special envoy for Greenland announced on Friday that he plans to visit the Danish territory in March and is optimistic that a deal can be reached. "I believe there is an understanding that should and will be achieved once things are clarified," Jeff Landry told Fox News. "The President is serious. I believe he set the expectations, and now it’s a matter of bringing in Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance to strike a deal."