Former US President Donald Trump has ignited a major transatlantic trade dispute by announcing punitive tariffs on the United Kingdom and several key European allies. The move is a direct retaliation for their opposition to a proposed American takeover of Greenland.
Escalating Tariffs Threaten Trade Relations
In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, 17 January 2026, Trump declared that 10% tariffs would be imposed on all goods from eight nations starting 1 February 2026. The countries targeted are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The former president stated that these levies would then increase sharply to 25% on 1 June 2026. He made it clear that the tariffs would remain in place "until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."
'World Peace is at Stake' Claims Trump
Justifying the aggressive economic measures, Trump framed the potential US acquisition of the vast Arctic territory as a matter of global security. "World Peace is at stake! China want Greenland, and there is not a thing Denmark can do about it," he wrote, downplaying Denmark's defence of its autonomous territory by claiming it is "only protected by two dogsleds."
He further argued that the US had "subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs." Trump concluded, "Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back."
Protests in Greenland and an 'Open' Offer
The announcement follows reports of 'Stop Trump' protests by residents in Greenland, who are vehemently opposed to the idea of being sold. Despite the confrontational tariffs, Trump insisted he remained "immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries."
He accused the allies of Denmark of playing a "very dangerous game" by opposing the US, claiming they had "put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable." The situation sets the stage for a significant diplomatic and economic clash early in 2026, with the UK's trade with one of its largest partners directly in the firing line.
