type: timeline_event
President Donald Trump announces he will impose a 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland—all NATO allies—starting February 1, 2026, "until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland." Trump declares the tariff would escalate to 25% on June 1 unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States.
The announcement comes after representatives from Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland traveled to Greenland for exercises, which Trump characterizes as opposition to his acquisition efforts. The threatened tariffs represent an unprecedented economic coercion of military allies in peacetime and trigger what multiple European leaders describe as NATO's worst crisis in its 77-year history.
Leaders from the eight targeted nations issue a joint statement warning the tariff threats "undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral," adding: "We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty." The European Union begins considering deploying its "trade bazooka"—the Anti-Coercion Instrument—which would allow sweeping restrictions on U.S. tech firm investment and business activities within the EU single market.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterates that Greenland is not for sale, stating: "When faced with the choice between US and Denmark, Greenland chooses Denmark." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen maintains that while Denmark can negotiate security, investments, and economic cooperation, "we cannot negotiate our sovereignty."