Trump threatens tariffs on nations opposing Greenland takeover. Latest on Denmark tensions, NATO concerns, and bipartisan Congressional response
Table of Contents
Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Opposing Greenland Takeover
Introduction
President Donald Trump escalated his Greenland annexation campaign Friday by threatening tariffs on nations that don’t support US acquisition of the Danish territory. Speaking at a White House meeting, Trump stated he “may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” though he didn’t specify which nations or legal authority he’d use. The threat comes as a bipartisan Congressional delegation visits Greenland to oppose the takeover, while European NATO allies deploy troops to the Arctic territory in solidarity with Denmark.
Trump’s Tariff Threat: What We Know
The Statement
Trump’s exact words: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security.”
Key unknowns:
- Which countries would face tariffs
- Tariff percentage or amount
- Legal authority Trump would invoke
- Timeline for implementation
- Whether Congress would authorize
Context: Statement made during White House meeting on rural healthcare, not a formal trade policy announcement.
Why Trump Wants Greenland
Strategic Value
Military importance:
- Location: Between North America and Arctic
- Early warning systems: Missile attack detection
- Naval monitoring: Arctic vessel surveillance
- Existing US presence: 100+ military personnel at Pituffik base
Pituffik Air Base (formerly Thule):
- Operated by US since World War II
- Critical for North American defense
- Part of existing US-Denmark agreement
- US can deploy unlimited troops under current terms
Trump’s argument: US must “own” Greenland to properly defend against Russian or Chinese threats.
Congressional Delegation Opposes Takeover
Bipartisan Greenland Visit
11-member delegation currently in Greenland includes:
Leadership:
- Senator Chris Coons (Democrat) – delegation leader
- Goal: “Listen to locals and lower the temperature”
Notable Republicans:
- Senator Thom Tillis
- Senator Lisa Murkowski (co-sponsor of anti-annexation bill)
Meeting agenda:
- Greenland MPs
- Danish PM Mette Frederiksen
- Greenlandic PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen
Purpose: Show support for Greenland’s self-determination, counter White House pressure.
Congressional Power to Stop Trump
Legislative Options
Senator Murkowski’s statement: Congress controls spending authorization—can refuse military operation funding.
Bipartisan bills:
- Anti-annexation bill (Murkowski co-sponsor)
- Aims to block Greenland acquisition
- Bipartisan support
- Pro-annexation bill (Republican congressman)
- Supports island acquisition
- Minority position
Constitutional authority: Congress has power of the purse—can defund military actions.
Denmark & NATO Response
“End of NATO” Warning
Denmark’s position:
- Military action would destroy NATO alliance
- US is most influential NATO partner
- Alliance based on mutual defense against external threats
- Never contemplated member-on-member aggression
NATO principle at stake: Article 5—attack on one is attack on all. Unprecedented scenario of internal conflict.
European Military Deployment to Greenland
Allied Troop Presence
Countries sending forces:
- France
- Germany
- Sweden
- Norway
- Finland
- Netherlands
- United Kingdom
Mission type: “Reconnaissance mission” (limited personnel)
French President Macron: Announced “land, air, and sea assets” deployment soon.
European argument: Arctic security is joint NATO responsibility, not US-only concern.
Greenland’s Position
Local Perspective
MP Aaja Chemnitz statement to BBC:
- Meeting with US delegation made her “hopeful”
- “We need friends. We need allies”
- “It’s a marathon, not a short sprint”
- US pressure ongoing since 2019
Key quote: “It’s changing almost hour by hour. As much support as we can get, the better.”
Reality check: Wide gulf between White House position and Greenland/Denmark stance.
Trump’s Annexation Strategy
“Easy Way or Hard Way”
Trump’s stated methods:
- Purchase: Negotiate financial deal with Denmark
- Force: Military takeover (implied threat)
Trump envoy Jeff Landry’s approach:
- Talk with Greenland leaders, not Denmark
- “There’s a deal that should and will be made”
- Frame as economic opportunity, not conquest
Landry’s pitch:
- “We represent liberty”
- “Economic strength”
- “Protection”
- “We don’t conquer”
Greenland Fast Facts
Key Data Points
Status:
- Self-governing territory
- Controlled by Denmark
- Population: 56,000 (sparsely populated)
- Capital: Nuuk
Resources:
- Rare earth minerals
- Oil potential
- Fishing waters
- Strategic location
Autonomy:
- Self-governance since 1979
- Denmark handles defense and foreign policy
- Growing independence movement
Historical Context
Not Trump’s First Attempt
2019 proposal:
- Trump floated purchasing Greenland
- Denmark rejected as “absurd”
- Caused diplomatic tensions
- Canceled Denmark state visit
Current escalation: Tariff threats represent new pressure tactic beyond previous economic offers.
International Reactions
Global Response
European allies:
- Rally to Denmark’s support
- Assert Arctic is European security concern
- Deploy military forces symbolically
Greenland:
- Seeks international support
- Emphasizes self-determination
- Not interested in US ownership
Denmark:
- Firm opposition to annexation
- Warning of NATO consequences
- Coordinating with European allies
Legal Questions
Authority Issues
Unanswered questions:
- Tariff authority: Which law allows tariffs for territorial acquisition?
- Congressional approval: Does Trump need legislative authorization?
- International law: Legality of forced annexation
- NATO obligations: Article 5 implications
Precedent: No modern example of US using tariffs to coerce territorial transfer.
FAQ Section
Can Trump legally place tariffs on countries over Greenland?
Trump’s legal authority to impose tariffs for territorial acquisition is unclear. While presidents have broad trade powers under national security provisions, using tariffs to force annexation has no legal precedent and would likely face Congressional and court challenges.
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Trump cites national security, claiming US ownership is needed to defend against Russian and Chinese threats. Greenland’s Arctic location is strategic for missile defense systems and naval monitoring. The US already operates the Pituffik military base there.
Does the US already have military presence in Greenland?
Yes. Over 100 US military personnel are permanently stationed at Pituffik Air Base (formerly Thule). Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US can deploy unlimited troops and already has extensive defense infrastructure.
What is Denmark’s position on selling Greenland?
Denmark firmly opposes any sale or annexation. Danish officials have warned that US military action would end NATO and violate international law. Greenland is self-governing and its people oppose US ownership.
Can Congress stop Trump from taking Greenland?
Yes. Congress controls military spending authorization and could refuse to fund any annexation operation. Senator Lisa Murkowski has co-sponsored a bipartisan bill specifically aimed at blocking Greenland acquisition.
Are European countries sending troops to Greenland?
Yes. France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Netherlands, and UK are deploying limited forces on “reconnaissance missions” to show solidarity with Denmark and assert that Arctic security is a joint NATO responsibility.