US President Donald Trump on Friday signaled that countries refusing to back his plan for the United States to take control of Greenland could face economic consequences, including new trade tariffs. Speaking during a health roundtable at the White House, Trump said he was prepared to use tariffs as leverage if nations stand in the way of what he described as a national security priority.
“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security,” Trump said, later adding, “I may do that.”
Trump likened the potential measures to past tariff threats he made against France and Germany over pharmaceutical pricing, underscoring his willingness to use economic pressure as a negotiating tool.
The remarks mark a fresh escalation in Trump’s long-running bid to acquire the autonomous Arctic island, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and a territory linked to a NATO ally. He has previously suggested that the United States might even consider military options if necessary, intensifying concerns among European partners.
According to Trump, Greenland’s strategic location and mineral wealth make it vital for US security interests. He has accused Denmark of failing to adequately protect the island from growing influence by global rivals such as Russia and China.
The president also appeared to question America’s future role within NATO if the alliance does not support US ambitions regarding Greenland. “We’re going to see. NATO has been dealing with us on Greenland,” Trump told reporters when asked whether the United States might reconsider its membership if the alliance resists his plans.
Trump emphasized that Greenland is central to US defense strategy, particularly in relation to his proposed missile defense initiative, known as the “Golden Dome.” Without Greenland, he warned, the United States would face a serious gap in its national security posture.
In response to Trump’s comments, several European NATO members have openly reaffirmed their support for Denmark and Greenland. Some countries have even sent troops to the strategically important Arctic territory, signaling unity against external pressure.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress arrived in Copenhagen on Friday to express support for Denmark and Greenland, highlighting divisions within the United States over Trump’s approach.
Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US officials at the White House in an attempt to ease tensions. While talks did not resolve the dispute and both sides acknowledged “fundamental disagreement,” they agreed to establish a working group that will meet every two to three weeks to continue discussions.
Several European nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands, have also announced limited military deployments to prepare for future Arctic exercises. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said these moves do not affect Trump’s objective, stating that they have “no impact on the goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all.”
At the heart of this unfolding standoff is more than territory or tariffs. It is a moment that reflects how power, security, and diplomacy collide in a rapidly changing world—where nations, alliances, and people are forced to reckon with how far influence should go, and at what human and global cost.
