Denmark Stands Firm Against Trump's Greenland Tariff Threats

In an escalating diplomatic standoff, the United States has issued a controversial ultimatum to Denmark and several European allies, threatening substantial tariffs unless a deal is reached for the purchase of Greenland. President Trump announced a 10% tariff on Denmark and seven other European countries, with the threat to increase duties to 25% if no deal is reached by June 1.

A Persistent Pursuit

The United States has a long history of attempting to acquire Greenland. Previous attempts include William H. Seward's unsuccessful bid after buying Alaska in 1867, and President Harry S. Truman's secret $100 million offer in 1946 - which was only made public in 1991. Trump argues that acquiring Greenland is critical for U.S. national security, claiming it would prevent Russia and China from gaining a foothold in the territory.

European Resistance Grows

In a striking show of unity, the leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning the tariff threats and reaffirming their solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been particularly vocal, with Starmer calling the tariffs "completely wrong" and Macron describing them as "unacceptable".

Greenland's Defiant Voice

Massive protests have erupted in both Greenland and Denmark. In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, an estimated 5,000 people - a significant portion of the island's 56,000 residents - demonstrated against potential annexation. Protesters carried banners reading "Yankee go home" and "Greenland is already great". Notably, while many Greenlanders desire independence from Denmark, they overwhelmingly reject becoming part of the United States.

Diplomatic Implications

French leaders warn that any military action against Greenland would damage NATO and potentially delight Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some argue it could be "the death knell for NATO". EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggested that China and Russia would benefit from these divisions, emphasizing that Greenland's security can be addressed within NATO, and that tariffs risk making both Europe and the United States poorer.

Potential Consequences

The EU is preparing for potential retaliation, with options including a package of tariffs on 93 billion euros of U.S. imports and the unprecedented use of an "Anti-Coercion Instrument" that could limit access to public tenders, investments, and banking activities. The ongoing tensions may also jeopardize the U.S.-EU trade deal agreed upon last year.

Public Sentiment

Interestingly, American public opinion does not support the acquisition. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed less than one in five U.S. residents support the idea of acquiring Greenland.