Trump stated that a 10% tariff would be levied on all goods supplied to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, which provoked a sharp reaction from European leaders.
EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, condemned these threats, emphasizing that such actions could undermine transatlantic ties.
Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, characterized Trump's statements as "unacceptable and inappropriate." Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also noted that his country "will not allow itself to be blackmailed." In turn, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated that he would address the U.S. regarding the tariffs, noting that Trump is "absolutely wrong."
Mass protests against the actions of the American president took place in Denmark and Greenland. Additionally, eight European countries sent troops to the island as a show of strength.
There is also a bill that has been introduced in the U.S. Congress concerning the "annexation of Greenland and granting it state status."
It is worth noting that Trump had previously expressed his intention to gain control over Greenland "one way or another." During his first presidential term, he proposed to buy the island, and in March 2025, he stated that it could be annexed, threatening Copenhagen with trade tariffs in case of refusal.
Greenland is an autonomous part of Denmark. In 1951, a Treaty for the protection of the island was signed between Washington and Copenhagen, which obligates the U.S. to defend Greenland against potential threats.
