US President Donald Trump declared Monday that global security hinges on American control of Greenland, escalating tensions with European allies who branded his tariff threats as “blackmail” amid preparations for countermeasures.
In a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Trump asserted that the world “is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,” according to details confirmed by Store’s office.
The statement came in response to opposition from Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb against Trump’s plans for the Danish autonomous territory, with the US leader also dismissing a sole focus on peace after missing out on the Nobel Prize.
“I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace,” Trump wrote, explaining that while peace remains “predominant,” he can now prioritize “what is good and proper for the United States of America.”
Trump reiterated concerns over threats from Russia and China, claiming “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China” in both the message and a subsequent post on Truth Social.
The remarks follow Trump’s weekend announcement of 10-percent tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, potentially escalating if opposition persists.
German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil condemned the move as “blackmail” and outlined potential European responses, including suspending current tariff deals, reinstating suspended duties on US imports, and deploying tools against “economic blackmail.”
French Finance Minister Roland Lescure echoed the sentiment, calling it “unacceptable” between longstanding allies.
The European Union announced an emergency summit Thursday to discuss responses, emphasizing engagement over escalation but readiness to act.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected the pressure, stating on Facebook: “We will not be pressured,” and affirming the territory’s right to self-determination.d5ece0
Denmark’s Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen highlighted increased NATO military presence in the Arctic, with a meeting planned Monday with NATO chief Mark Rutte and Greenland’s foreign minister.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned against retaliatory tariffs, deeming them “very unwise.”0ae2fe
Trump has long eyed Greenland for its strategic minerals and location, citing national security despite existing US bases and alliances with Denmark.
European markets dipped Monday amid the dispute, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warning that a “trade war is in no one’s interest.”3d36e1
Greenland, home to 57,000 people, further signaled resistance by disinviting the new US Arctic envoy to a dog sledge race.
