President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States intends to levy a 10% tariff on imports from eight European nations beginning in February. The President stated the measures are a response to ongoing disagreements regarding the potential American purchase of Greenland.
In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump identified Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland as the nations subject to the new duties. He further noted that the tariff rate would increase to 25% on June 1 if an agreement for “the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is not reached by that date.
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The announcement marks a development in the administration’s interactions with NATO allies. The President cited specific grievances in his post, pointing to recent visits to Greenland by officials from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, as well as general opposition to the sale of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Trump reiterated his position that acquiring the island is necessary for the implementation of the “Golden Dome” missile defense system. He also stated that U.S. control is required to prevent potential strategic encroachments by Russia and China.
The legal authority for the proposed tariffs was not immediately specified. Analysts suggest the administration may rely on economic emergency powers, though the scope of those powers is currently under review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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This move follows a year of complex trade negotiations, during which several European nations agreed to 15% tariffs.
In Greenland, reaction to the ongoing dispute was visible on the streets of the capital, Nuuk. Earlier on Saturday, hundreds of residents gathered for a scheduled rally. Despite freezing rain and icy conditions, demonstrators marched to express support for the island’s self-governance.
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