Trump announces 10 pct tariffs on Denmark, UK, France over opposition to Greenland takeover plan
US President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the imposition of a 10 percent tariff on several European countries, accusing them of opposing Washington’s plan to acquire Greenland.
The tariffs will take effect on February 1 and are expected to impact Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and other European Union member nations.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump warned that the tariffs would be raised to 25 percent from June 1 if an agreement is not reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the United States.
The announcement followed earlier warnings from Trump that countries resisting his Greenland proposal could face economic penalties.
European leaders have strongly rejected the US president’s remarks, reiterating that decisions regarding Greenland rest solely with Denmark and Greenland.
Denmark said earlier this week that it is strengthening its military presence in Greenland, working in coordination with allied nations.
The White House, however, said European military measures would not deter Trump’s ambitions. French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo described Europe’s actions as a signal that the continent is prepared to defend its sovereignty.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the mineral-rich Arctic territory is vital to US national security, claiming that American control is necessary to prevent potential influence from China and Russia.
Earlier this week, he stated that any outcome short of Greenland being under US control was “unacceptable”.
Tensions escalated further on Wednesday after Danish officials said Copenhagen and Washington remained in “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland’s future following talks in the US capital.
Public opposition to the takeover proposal intensified in Denmark, with thousands of demonstrators marching through Copenhagen on Saturday in support of Greenland’s self-governance.
Protesters carried placards reading “Greenland is not for sale,” “We shape our future,” and “Greenland is already GREAT.”
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen categorically rejected any US acquisition of the territory, calling the idea a violation of international law. “This is out of the question. It infringes on sovereignty and runs counter to all international rules,” he said.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also reaffirmed his government’s stance, saying Greenland would stand with Denmark, NATO, and the European Union. “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark, we choose Denmark,” he said.
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