00:00On January 17th, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose new tariffs on several European countries,
00:19framing the move as part of a broader push for greater American control over Greenland,
00:24which he argues is critical to U.S. and global security.
00:28Trump declared that starting February 1st, 2026, the United States will impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from a group of European nations, including the United Kingdom and Denmark.
00:41He said the tariff would increase to 25% on June 1st, 2026 if negotiations do not result in what he described as a deal for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.
00:54The announcement came in a lengthy post on Truth Social, where Trump accused Denmark and other European allies of benefiting for decades from U.S. military and security protection without adequate compensation.
01:07In the post he wrote,
01:09We have subsidised Denmark and all of the countries of the European Union and others for many years by not charging them tariffs or any other forms of remuneration.
01:20Now after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back.
01:24Trump said the tariffs would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, and would remain in place.
01:35Until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.
01:41He framed the issue as a matter of global security, writing,
01:44World peace is at stake. China and Russia want Greenland and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.
01:53Trump also claimed that only the United States could effectively protect the territory.
01:58Only the United States of America can play in this game and very successfully, at that, nobody will touch this sacred piece of land.
02:08Reports suggest Trump explicitly linked the tariff threat to European opposition to U.S. control of Greenland.
02:16He argued that Greenland's geographic position is essential to modern defence systems, saying missile defence technology can only operate at maximum potential and efficiency, if this land is included in it.
02:29The announcement has prompted a strong response in Greenland and Denmark.
02:33According to the Associated Press, hundreds of people gathered in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, braving near-freezing temperatures, rain and icy streets to protest against any American takeover.
02:45Demonstrators waved Greenland's red and white national flag and carried signs reading,
02:51Greenland is not for sale and we shape our future.
02:55Thousands more joined rallies across Denmark, voicing solidarity with Greenland and reinforcing demands for self-governance.
03:03Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
03:07While Denmark is responsible for defence and foreign policy, Greenland's leaders have repeatedly stated that the island's future can only be decided by its own people.
03:17European leaders have echoed that position, emphasising that decisions concerning Greenland are not open to external pressure.
03:25The situation has also raised concerns within NATO, where Denmark is regarded as one of Washington's closest allies.
03:33Despite the backlash, Trump has continued to defend his position.
03:37In his Truth Social post, he said the United States is
03:41immediately open to negotiation, but made clear that the tariffs would remain in effect unless a deal is reached.
03:48Critics warned that using tariffs to pressure allied nations over territorial claims could strain diplomatic, economic and security relations.
03:57For now, Denmark and Greenland continue to reject the idea of a sale.
04:02Protests are ongoing, and European governments are pushing back against the proposed tariffs,
04:07setting the stage for a potentially serious transatlantic dispute.
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