Donald Trump keeps providing us with endless material. Because this time… he set his sights on Greenland and, along with it, half of Europe. Literally.
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WHAT IS GOING ON WITH GREENLAND
Donald Trump is returning to an old obsession of his: buying Greenland. According to him, Greenland is critical to US national security, and America must acquire it in order to prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold in the Arctic.
Trump claims that Greenland has enormous geopolitical and strategic importance. From its location for military bases to its untapped mineral resources, Greenland is seen as “the next battlefield” in the new Cold War. He even used phrases such as: “This is dangerous for the Security, the Survival, and the Stability of the Planet.” Yes, he said it. And to reinforce his position, he cites strategic presence, rare minerals, and generally the familiar “it’s for your own good” argument.
A few days ago, European countries such as France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden sent military personnel to Greenland to participate in an exercise under Denmark’s auspices. And at that point… Trump lost it. He interpreted the presence of troops as a provocation or even a threat to American ambitions in the region.
TARIFFS
The US president announced that from February 1, imports from eight countries, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, will be subject to 10 percent tariffs. And from June 1, those tariffs will rise to 25 percent, unless the countries agree to… sell Greenland.
Yes, as unbelievable as it sounds, this is the official position of the White House. According to Trump, “these countries have traveled to Greenland for unknown reasons,” and therefore “threaten the security of the planet.” Trump’s narrative is that he is using tariffs as a negotiating tool, just as he has done in the past with pharmaceuticals and foreign governments.
The legal basis for this? Most likely the same controversial use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which grants him broad authority in times of emergency. The problem? The US Supreme Court may overturn this move within the coming weeks.
In practice, the tariffs will be added to existing ones, pushing total duties in several sectors to 25 percent. And we are talking about essential industries: metallurgy, automotive manufacturing, technology. The impact will not be limited to governments, but will spill over to businesses and households.
EUROPE REACTS
The reactions were immediate and loud. Emmanuel Macron described the tariffs as “unacceptable,” while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that “it is wrong to impose tariffs on allies because they are doing what collective NATO security requires.”
Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa issued a joint statement expressing full support for Denmark and the people of Greenland. Meanwhile, Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, warned that such actions could lead to a “dangerous downward spiral in transatlantic relations.” Many European countries described Trump’s stance as an insult to the principles of national sovereignty and international law.
On the other hand, within the United States, many senators and analysts, including Republicans, are strongly criticizing Trump, saying that such an aggressive stance undermines NATO stability and gives an advantage to Russia and China.
And of course, from Greenland itself, the reactions were loud: “Greenland is not for sale,” protesters shouted in Nuuk, while nearly one third of the city took to the streets. The people of Greenland, although many seek independence from Denmark, do not look favorably on being annexed by the United States.
