US President Donald Trump has stated he will proceed “100 percent” with his threat to impose tariffs on European nations that resist Washington’s bid to acquire Greenland.
This declaration comes as the European Union pledged to defend its interests and sovereignty.
In an interview with NBC News, President Trump confirmed his intention to implement the tariff strategy. This includes a 10 percent duty on all British goods effective from 1 February, escalating to 25 percent from 1 June. These measures will persist, he stated, until an agreement is finalised for the US to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
The President further asserted that identical tariff measures would be applied to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland – all of whom are fellow NATO allies.
“I will, 100 percent,” Trump said when asked if he would follow through on the tariff threat.
European leaders have rallied behind Greenland’s sovereignty, rejecting Trump’s claims. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Europe must show Washington that tariffs and threats are “not the way forward.”
“You can’t threaten your way to ownership of Greenland. We have red lines that can’t be crossed,” Rasmussen said.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc has “no interest to pick a fight, but we will hold our ground,” adding that “sovereignty is not for trade.”
EU is set to hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss its response to Trump’s latest statements.
Trump also declined to rule out the use of force when asked whether he would seize Greenland, replying: “No comment.”
Denmark has warned that any US military action in Greenland would threaten the future of Nato, while several European allies have voiced firm support for Denmark and Greenland’s position.
