Donald Trump said on 16 January 2026 that the United States may impose tariffs on countries that oppose his plans involving Greenland. He made the remarks during a White House event, linking the issue directly to national security.

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland,” Trump said.
“We need Greenland for national security.”

Trump added that he has used tariffs in the past to influence international negotiations. Therefore, he suggested similar tools could apply in this case.

❄️ Greenland and US Strategic Interest

Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark and sits in a strategically important Arctic region. Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs greater control or influence there. He cited security concerns and geopolitical competition in the Arctic.

Meanwhile, leaders in Greenland and Denmark have firmly rejected any suggestion of a takeover. They have said Greenland’s future rests with its people and existing legal frameworks.

Danish and Greenlandic officials have stated that Greenland is not for sale.

🤝 Pushback From Allies

Trump’s comments triggered concern among U.S. allies. European leaders reiterated their opposition to economic pressure tied to territorial issues. They warned that tariffs could strain long-standing diplomatic relationships.

Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers travelled to Copenhagen to ease tensions. They said cooperation with Denmark remains essential and stressed the importance of dialogue over coercion.

One U.S. senator said the visit aimed to “lower the temperature” surrounding Greenland.

⚠️ Use of Tariffs as Leverage

Trump defended his position by pointing to past trade actions. He said tariffs helped secure concessions in earlier negotiations. Therefore, he framed the Greenland issue as another case where economic tools could support policy goals.

However, critics warned that using tariffs against allies could backfire. They said such moves risk damaging trust and cooperation within NATO.

Meanwhile, European officials continued to stress that security cooperation in the Arctic does not require territorial pressure.

🌐 Diplomatic Talks Continue

Despite the sharp language, officials on all sides confirmed that diplomatic talks will continue. The United States, Denmark, and Greenland remain engaged on Arctic security and regional cooperation.

Consequently, while Trump’s remarks raised tensions, formal policy changes have not followed. For now, the issue remains part of a broader debate over Arctic strategy and alliance management.