Trump Threatens 10% Tariff Unless European Nations Facilitate U.S. Purchase Of Greenland

Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would impose a 10% tariff on imports from several European countries beginning Feb. 1.

“I can do that — but I don’t have the full article”

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He said the tariff would rise to 25% by June 1.

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Trump added the levies would remain in place until the United States reached a "complete and total" or "full and final" agreement to buy Greenland.

Targeted countries named in coverage include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland.

Accounts vary slightly in wording and dates, but multiple outlets report the same core threat and country list.

European capitals, NATO partners and Greenlandic officials reacted swiftly and angrily.

The eight targeted governments issued a joint rebuke calling the threats unacceptable or intolerable.

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EU leaders convened emergency ambassadorial talks and planned extraordinary meetings.

Mass protests erupted in Nuuk and Denmark, sometimes described as the largest demonstrations in Nuuk’s history.

Coverage emphasizes a united diplomatic front defending Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self‑determination.

Legal experts, trade analysts and some news outlets flagged serious questions about the legality and practicality of the tariff threat.

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They questioned whether a president has authority under U.S. law to impose such targeted levies and whether the measures would conflict with existing trade frameworks or tariff caps.

Several outlets also noted broader NATO implications, with critics arguing tariffs against allies could fracture collective security.

Greenlandic and Danish authorities emphasized sovereignty and self-determination.

Brussels and member capitals prepared policy responses.

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Greenland's government and protesters repeatedly said, "Greenland is not for sale."

Denmark insisted any discussions would respect Greenland's territorial integrity.

EU officials mapped retaliation options, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument and reactivation of previously suspended counter-tariffs on billions of euros of U.S. goods.

Beyond immediate diplomacy, analysts and markets flagged economic risks and political fragility.

“European leaders and NATO officials condemned threats to allies and called for a united response”

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Commentators warned the threats could imperil pending trade talks, slow investment flows, raise costs for businesses and consumers, and play into the hands of geopolitical rivals.

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EU officials debated calibrated retaliation rather than uncontrolled escalation.

In Washington, U.S. domestic politics responded with mixed messages.

Some Republicans and allies signalled sympathy for a stronger American role in the Arctic.

Bipartisan critics in Congress warned that tariffs on friends would hurt Americans, violate legal limits and damage NATO.

Several outlets said lawmakers were preparing legislative and legal options to block or question the proposed measures as transatlantic leaders head to Davos.