WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support his controversial push to have the United States “obtain” control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, citing national security concerns as justification. Speaking at a White House event, Trump stated, “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security,” though he gave no specifics on which nations might be targeted or under what legal authority.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened diplomatic tensions: a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation is in Copenhagen this week trying to ease strains with Denmark and Greenland’s leadership over the matter, emphasizing that Greenland should be treated as an ally and partner, not a territorial prize. Denmark has firmly rejected any transfer of sovereignty, and European leaders have largely opposed Washington’s rhetoric on the Arctic island.
The tariff threat represents a significant escalation in Trump’s strategy, which critics say could strain relations with NATO partners and undermine international trade cooperation. Trump’s broader argument for control of Greenland includes concerns about strategic positioning against rivals such as Russia and China in the Arctic — a claim met with skepticism by many diplomats and analysts.
News as reported
