Trump Pressures Europe Over Greenland as Russia Issues Stark Response
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Europe over Greenland, arguing that the Arctic island is critical to U.S. national security and warning that failure to secure it could leave room for Russian or Chinese influence.
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Sergei Lavrov. Credit: Getty Images
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States “needs” the island for strategic defense purposes. In recent months, his language has grown increasingly forceful, with Trump refusing to rule out the use of military pressure—an assertion that has alarmed European leaders.
Denmark and its allies have firmly rejected Trump’s position, reaffirming Greenland’s status and sovereignty. In response, Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on several U.S. allies, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. The proposed measures would begin at 10 percent on February 1 and rise to 25 percent by June 1 if negotiations fail.
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