Danish PM Stands Firm Against Trump’s Greenland Tariff Threats

Tue Jan 20 2026 00:31:45 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bold response to President Trump's tariff threats regarding Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen asserts, 'Europe won't be blackmailed.' This declaration follows Trump's intentions to impose a 10% levy on goods from allied nations opposing his suggested takeover of the autonomous territory.

Amid rising tensions over President Trump's proposed takeover of Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has firmly stated that Europe will not be coerced into submission through tariffs. In a response to Trump's threats to impose tariffs on eight allied nations, Frederiksen emphasized the importance of solidarity among European nations and the need to uphold sovereign integrity. The situation has sparked protests in both Denmark and Greenland, showcasing public dissent against Trump's plans.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said ‘Europe won’t be blackmailed’ by Donald Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland.

The US president has stated he will impose a new 10% levy on goods from eight allied nations if they oppose his proposed takeover of the autonomous Danish territory.

Frederiksen and other European leaders issued a joint statement on Sunday, saying the tariffs risked ‘undermin[ing] transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral’.

On Monday, Trump stated that NATO had been ‘telling Denmark, for 20 years, that you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland. Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!’

Trump insists Greenland is vital for US security and has noted that the territory could be obtained ‘the easy way’ or ‘the hard way’, hinting at possible military involvement, which has faced widespread criticism.

The new tariffs would target Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, according to Trump’s announcement. He mentioned that an initial 10% tariff would commence on February 1, escalating to 25% by June if the territorial acquisition of Greenland isn't negotiated.

In their collaborative statement, the leaders of the eight nations affirmed their ‘full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland’ and reiterated their commitment to protecting Arctic security as a collective interest.

They emphasized the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, asserting the need for constructive dialogues. Frederiksen noted on Facebook, ‘We want to cooperate and we are not the ones seeking conflict. And I am happy for the consistent messages from the rest of the continent: Europe will not be blackmailed.’

Public sentiment in Denmark and Greenland is intensely against Trump's plans, evident from protests that occurred in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and various Danish cities. Earlier sentiment surveys indicated a lack of support for US control over Greenland among its citizens, where only 6% expressed favor in the last inquiry.

Trump's threats have sparked a divided reaction globally, with European leaders agreeing to discuss collective responses while emphasizing that any resolution must respect Greenland's autonomy and the sovereignty of its people. The situation remains tense as global leaders gather for the World Economic Forum in Davos, where further discussions on Arctic security and diplomatic relations are anticipated.