Washington, DC — President Donald Trump escalated tensions with U.S. allies on Friday by threatening to impose tariffs on countries that refuse to support American control of Greenland, raising fresh concerns among NATO partners as diplomatic efforts continue to cool the dispute.
Speaking at a White House event promoting rural health care, Trump said he may punish countries economically if they oppose U.S. claims over Greenland, calling the Arctic territory vital for national security and access to critical minerals. While he did not specify which nations could face tariffs or what goods would be targeted, the remarks marked the first time Trump publicly linked trade penalties to the Greenland issue.
The comments came as a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers met Danish and Greenlandic leaders in Copenhagen in an effort to lower tensions. Senators Chris Coons of Delaware and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska emphasized the long-standing U.S.-Denmark alliance and described Greenland as a strategic partner rather than an asset. Murkowski noted that roughly 75% of Americans oppose acquiring Greenland, a figure echoed in recent polling.
Denmark and other NATO allies have firmly rejected U.S. control of Greenland, while Greenland’s leadership reiterated its preference to remain aligned with Denmark and NATO. Lawmakers in Congress have also introduced bipartisan legislation to block any U.S. annexation without consent from NATO partners.
Despite the pushback, Trump administration officials say discussions will continue through a working group, with U.S. special envoy Jeff Landry planning a visit to Greenland in March.
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