Trump announced tariffs on eight European countries that opposed the annexation of Greenland. “The stake is world peace,” says the American president

President Donald Trump announced in a post on the Truth Social network that he is imposing 10% tariffs on eight European countries that oppose the US's intention to buy Greenland. The tax level will be increased to 25% from June 1, 2026, if no agreement is reached on the acquisition of the islandsays the American president.

“We have subsidized Denmark and all the countries of the European Union for many years by not imposing tariffs or other forms of remuneration. Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back. World peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland and Denmark can't do anything about it. They have two dog sleds for protection, one of which was recently added,” Donald Trump begins his post on Truth Social.

He then names eight European countries, led by Denmark, which will be affected by new customs duties.

In addition to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland are targeted. According to the American president, these states are playing “a very dangerous game” by their opposition to the ceding of Greenland to the United States.

“That's why it's imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, tough action is taken to bring this potentially dangerous situation to a quick and unequivocal end,” says Donald Trump.

He then announces that starting February 1, 2026, all of the countries mentioned will be charged a 10% tariff on any goods exported to the United States of America. On June 1, 2026, the rate will be increased to 25%. The tariff will be applied until an agreement is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland,” Trump announced.

In addition to the tariffs, Trump said he was open to immediate negotiations

In the message, Trump says that several US presidents have tried to buy the island over the past 150 years, but Denmark has refused each time. Trump claims that the purchase of Greenland is necessary so that the Golden Dome program, intended to protect the US territory from any missile attack, can be successfully implemented.

“Hundreds of billions of dollars are being spent on security programs related to the Dome, including for the possible protection of Canada, and this very intelligent but very complex system can operate at its maximum potential and efficiency (…) if this territory is included in it,” the American president claims.

At the same time, he also says that he is willing to negotiate immediately with Denmark and the other countries on which he applies customs duties.

Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plans for the US to annex Greenland, while several European countries announced that they would send troops there to support Denmark.

“I may put tariffs on countries that don't support me for Greenland, because we need Greenland for US national security,” Trump said at a health event at the White House.

Protests in Denmark and Greenland

On the day Trump announced the tariffs, thousands of people gathered in Copenhagen and other cities in Denmark on Saturday to denounce the US president's territorial ambitions.

And in Nuuk, the capital of this autonomous Danish territory, several thousand other people demonstrated under the slogan “Greenland is not for sale”.

Several Danish political figures, including the mayor of Copenhagen and a minister, marched alongside the demonstrators, reports AFP.

Denmark is increasing its military presence in Greenland

At the same time, Denmark, the country under whose sovereignty is the autonomous territory of Greenland, announced an increase in its military presence on this arctic island, as well as the deployment of military exercises in the area together with European partners, including France, Sweden, Norway and Germany.

The purpose of these officially announced military exercises and deployments is not to defend Greenland against a possible American invasion, but to temper Washington's concerns regarding the security of the island and the Arctic region. And this after Trump reproached Denmark for neglecting this security in the face of what he claims are threats from Russia and China in that strategic region.

Trump also claims that the American military presence established on this island rich in mineral resources since the Cold War period would no longer be sufficient.

Both the local Greenlandic and Danish governments have repeatedly said the island is not for sale, but Trump has not ruled out taking it by force. A possible purchase of Greenland could cost the US up to 700 billion dollars, according to an analysis cited by NBC.