Former US President Donald Trump has declared that 'now is the time' to halt what he calls a Russian threat to Greenland, while simultaneously criticising Denmark for its perceived failure to protect the vast Arctic territory. His renewed push to acquire Greenland 'by any means necessary' has triggered a significant diplomatic crisis, prompting threats of retaliatory tariffs from the European Union and a coordinated military response from several European nations.
Trump's Ultimatum and European Retaliation
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that NATO has warned Denmark for two decades about the Russian threat to Greenland, claiming Copenhagen had been 'unable to do anything about it.' He concluded with a stark promise: 'Now it is time, and it will be done!!!' This rhetoric follows his successful capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which appears to have emboldened his stance on territorial acquisition.
The situation escalated on Friday when Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any country that does not support US control of Greenland. In response, Britain, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden announced the deployment of small troop contingents to Greenland on Saturday. These forces are participating in a Danish-led military exercise dubbed 'Operation Arctic Endurance,' which the nations insist poses 'no threat to anyone.'
The leaders of these eight countries issued an unusually strong joint statement, warning that Trump's threats 'undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.' Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated firmly, 'Europe will not be blackmailed.'
Economic and Diplomatic Fallout Intensifies
The European Union is now preparing a robust countermeasure. According to reports, the bloc is considering retaliatory tariffs on approximately $107.7 billion worth of US goods, or potentially denying America access to the EU single market. Officials are also debating the use of the never-before-deployed 'Anti-Coercion Instrument' (ACI), which could restrict US access to public tenders, investments, and trade in services.
The turmoil has already rattled global financial markets. On Monday, spot gold prices surged 1.5% to a record $4,663.37 per ounce, while silver also hit unprecedented highs as investors sought safe-haven assets. US stock futures and the dollar slid amid the heightened geopolitical risk.
Diplomatically, the gap appears wide. After talks between Greenlandic, Danish, and US officials—including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Danish representatives stated they are in 'fundamental disagreement' with the Trump administration over Greenland's status. A bipartisan US congressional delegation, led by Senator Chris Coons, visited Copenhagen to express support for Denmark, with Democratic Senator Dick Durbin emphasising that Trump's statements 'do not reflect what the American people feel.'
Global Reactions and Security Stakes
Russia has sought to distance itself from the controversy. The Kremlin stated it considers Greenland to be Danish territory and labelled the security situation 'extraordinary.' Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticised Western claims of a Russian threat as unacceptable, calling the crisis a demonstration of Western 'double standards.'
Trump frames the acquisition as a critical national security imperative, vital for the proposed 'Golden Dome' multi-layer missile defence system. He has even suggested the US might withdraw from NATO if allies do not support the takeover of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory where the US already operates the strategic Thule Air Base.
As protests against US control took place in Greenland itself, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasised a continued focus on diplomacy, pointing to a newly established working group. He noted, 'The US is also more than the US president... There are also checks and balances in American society.' All eyes now turn to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump is set to hold private talks with European leaders amidst this profound transatlantic rift.
