US President Donald Trump has said the United States is ready to negotiate with Denmark over Greenland, arguing that control of the Arctic territory is critical to global security and “world peace.”
Reiterating his long-standing position, Trump claimed Greenland had become strategically vulnerable and alleged that China and Russia were seeking to expand their presence on the island.
“China and Russia want Greenland," Trump said.
“Only the United States can guarantee its safety."
He warned that rival powers had already “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown,” calling the situation “very dangerous for the safety, security and survival of our planet."
Trump said decisive action was necessary to prevent escalation.
Alongside the Greenland demand, Trump announced plans to impose new trade measures on Europe. In a post on Truth Social, he said 10% tariffs would take effect on February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, rising to 25% from June 1 unless a deal is reached.
“We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs, or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back - World Peace is at stake!”
He added that the tariffs would remain in place “until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump also linked Greenland to US missile defence plans, including the proposed “Golden Dome” system, saying such programmes could operate at “maximum potential and efficiency” only if Greenland were included.
“The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these countries,” he said, warning that strong measures were needed to resolve the issue “quickly, and without question."
He further claimed Denmark lacked the capacity to defend the territory, remarking that “They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.”
“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that!”
Trump said he could ensure that “nobody will touch this sacred piece of land” because US and global security “is at stake.”
The remarks triggered protests in Greenland, where hundreds of residents marched through Nuuk in freezing conditions, waving red-and-white flags and carrying placards reading “Greenland is not for sale” and “We shape our future.”
The demonstrations coincided with Trump’s announcement of tariffs, underscoring growing unease in Greenland and Denmark over Washington’s renewed pressure.
A bipartisan US congressional delegation, led by Senator Chris Coons, had earlier visited Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders of continued American support, amid mounting diplomatic tensions.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
