In a new escalation of transatlantic relations, US President Donald Trump leveled direct and sharp accusations against seven European countries, describing their actions in Greenland as “a very dangerous game.” Trump did not stop at political statements; he coupled them with concrete economic threats, announcing new tariffs as a means of exerting pressure to achieve his long-standing and renewed ambition of annexing the Arctic island to US sovereignty.
Details of the accusations and the economic threat
Through his platform, Truth Social, Trump launched a scathing attack on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. His post stated that these countries had gone to Greenland for what he called an "unknown" purpose, deeming these actions an unacceptable risk that puts "world peace at risk.".
The US president linked this issue to immediate economic measures, announcing tariffs of up to 25% on products imported from these European countries. He affirmed that these tariffs would remain in place until an agreement is reached for the full purchase of Greenland, a move reflecting the US administration's determination to resolve this matter.
The strategic importance of Greenland: Why now?
To understand Trump's insistence on annexing Greenland, one must consider the island's unique geopolitical location. Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Greenland is a vital gateway for controlling polar shipping lanes, which are becoming increasingly important as the ice melts. The island also possesses vast reserves of rare earth minerals , essential for advanced technological and military industries, making it a major arena of competition among superpowers.
Trump pointed out that “China and Russia want Greenland,” questioning Denmark’s ability to protect the island from Eastern ambitions, which he uses as justification for the need for direct American intervention to ensure Western national security.
Historical background and context of the conflict
This is not the first time Washington has expressed interest in buying the island. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for it, but the offer was rejected. Trump revived the idea during his first term in 2019, causing a diplomatic crisis at the time, with the Danish prime minister describing it as a “ridiculous” idea.
Greenland enjoys extensive self-governance under the Danish crown, and already hosts Thule Air Base, the northernmost US military base, which plays a pivotal role in the missile early warning system.
Expected repercussions for NATO
This escalation puts NATO in a difficult position, as the countries targeted by Trump's threats are among Washington's closest allies within the alliance. Observers believe that using tariffs against military allies to exert pressure on sovereign issues could lead to cracks in the Western alliance, especially given the security challenges posed by the war in Ukraine and escalating tensions with China.
