US President Donald Trump on Monday escalated pressure on Denmark over Greenland, accusing Copenhagen of failing to counter what he described as a long-standing Russian threat to the strategically located island and signalling renewed determination to act.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that 'you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.' Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!"
The post has emerged as the central focus of a growing diplomatic standoff between Washington and several European capitals, following Trump's recent announcement of punitive tariffs linked to Greenland. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly voiced his intention to "obtain" Greenland, citing security concerns and geopolitical competition in the Arctic.
Greenland, the world's largest island, is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, though Copenhagen retains control over defence and foreign policy. The United States already operates a major military base on the island, which holds increasing strategic importance amid rising global interest in the Arctic region.
Meanwhile, European leaders have begun coordinating their response to Trump's tariff threats. Earlier on Sunday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said European countries were acting in unison and expressed confidence in continental backing.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Rasmussen said he had "no doubt about the support from Europe," even as he acknowledged that a tariff conflict could impose significant costs on European Union members.
Eide struck a firm tone, declaring, "We will not yield to pressure." Rasmussen added that while recent discussions at the White House had produced some agreements, a coordinated European approach remained essential. "We are not cooperating unilaterally," he said.
Trump announced on Saturday that the United States would impose a 10 per cent tariff from February 1 on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands and Finland. He also warned that the levy would rise to 25 per cent from the beginning of June unless a deal was reached for the United States to purchase Greenland.
Europe pushes back as Trump escalates Greenland pressure
European leaders moved swiftly after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs unless the United States is allowed to acquire Greenland. The warning raised the risk of a new trade clash between Washington and its closest allies and deepened concerns inside NATO.
Trump said on Saturday that the United States "needs Greenland for national security." He added that if no deal is reached, tariffs would follow.
In a social media post, Trump said the levies would begin at 10 per cent in February and rise to 25 per cent by June. The measures would target a group of European nations.
European Union ambassadors met for an emergency session in Brussels on Sunday evening. The talks focused on Trump's tariff threat and possible responses.
European officials said negotiations remain the preferred option. Still, one official and one diplomat said retaliation was being discussed, media reports said. A €93 billion list of counter-tariffs prepared last year could be allowed to take effect, targeting US goods.
On NBC's Meet the Press, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's stance, saying, "President Trump strongly believes that we cannot outsource our security." He described Greenland as "essential to US national security," adding that US control would be "best for Greenland, best for Europe, and best for the United States."
European leaders rejected that argument, with Denmark and Greenland reiterating that the territory is not for sale.
On ABC's This Week, the dispute was described as coercive, with European officials warning that pressure tactics risk long-term damage to trust.
On CBS' Face the Nation, Senator Mark Warner said the approach was "attacking our closest allies," adding that "both Russia and China" stood to benefit.
Republican Congressman Mike Turner also raised concerns, saying there was "no authority" for the United States to seize territory from a NATO ally. He warned the episode had already "caused tension among the alliance."
On CNN's State of the Union, former Vice President Mike Pence called Denmark "a very strong ally of the United States of America," saying the dispute "does threaten to fracture that strong relationship."
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke to Trump on Sunday afternoon. His spokesman said Starmer told the president that "applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong."
Starmer also held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. "Security in the High North is a priority for all NATO allies," the statement said.
European officials said retaliation would likely begin with goods rather than invoking the EU's anti-coercion instrument, which could target services and major US technology companies.
On CNN's Fareed Zakaria GPS, Fareed Zakaria said allies are increasingly wary of Washington. "The world is no longer building on an American platform," he said. "It is building around it."
Italian PM says US tariffs over Greenland 'a mistake'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the US imposition of tariffs on European countries over Greenland is "a mistake."
According to Italy's Rai News, Meloni made the remarks during a visit to South Korea, saying she had discussed the issue with US President Donald Trump and the NATO secretary general.
Noting the Arctic's strategic importance, Meloni said the decision by some European countries to deploy troops to strengthen security should be understood in that context.
Her remarks followed Trump's announcement of tariffs starting at 10 per cent from February 1 and rising to 25 per cent from June unless a deal is reached to allow the US to purchase Greenland.
European Council President Antonio Costa said on X that the European Union is "ready to defend itself against any form of coercion."
National reactions were swift. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel called the tariffs an act of "blackmail," urging Washington to withdraw the "ridiculous proposal." German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said Germany "must not allow itself to be intimidated," adding that "a line has been crossed."
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on social media that "Europe will not be blackmailed," stressing that the issue now extends "far beyond our own borders."
(With inputs from IANS)
