Trump Revives Greenland Push, Warns of Tariffs on Non-Cooperating Nations
US President Donald Trump has once again stirred international debate by reigniting his long-standing interest in bringing Greenland under American control. Speaking at a White House event on Friday, Trump hinted that countries unwilling to support US authority over Greenland could face steep import tariffs.
National Security at the Center of the Argument
Trump framed Greenland as a strategic necessity for US national security. Referring to earlier warnings he had issued to European allies over pharmaceutical tariffs, he suggested a similar approach could be used in the Greenland issue. According to Trump, any country that refuses to cooperate on Greenland could be targeted with trade penalties, arguing that America “needs Greenland” to safeguard its security interests.
These remarks came as a US congressional delegation was in Copenhagen, meeting Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers in an effort to ease diplomatic tensions. Despite those talks, Trump has remained firm in his stance, repeatedly asserting that full American control of the Arctic island is non-negotiable. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the NATO framework, and Trump reiterated earlier this week that anything short of US control would not be acceptable.
Tariffs as a Pressure Tool
At a separate White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump explained how he had previously used the threat of tariffs on medicines to influence European partners. He said the same strategy could apply to Greenland, reinforcing the idea that economic pressure remains a key lever in his foreign policy playbook.
Meanwhile, in Copenhagen, a bipartisan group of US senators and members of the House of Representatives met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen along with Danish and Greenlandic legislators. The delegation aimed to reinforce cooperation and reduce friction sparked by Trump’s comments.
Delaware Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who led the delegation, thanked the hosts for being “a strong and reliable ally and partner for 225 years,” adding that discussions focused on how to strengthen and carry the relationship forward in the future.
Why Greenland Matters
Greenland occupies a crucial position in the Arctic, giving it strategic value over emerging trade routes and access to natural resources. Its location makes it increasingly important as global competition in the Arctic intensifies.
NATO Concerns and Diplomatic Fallout
As part of the NATO sphere, Greenland plays a key role in transatlantic security. Analysts warn that linking trade tariffs to a sensitive territorial issue could deepen rifts between the US and its European allies. Experts also caution that using economic threats in a matter tied to sovereignty and defense risks undermining established international agreements and diplomatic norms.