Trump dangers ‘harmful downward spiral’ as UK and Europe hit again at Greenland menace
Donald Trump risks a “dangerous downward spiral” say the UK and Europe after his tariff threat over the potential sale of Greenland.
In a joint statement, from the eight countries Trump singled out in his tariff threat on Truth Social have hit back and his tactics to take the territory from Denmark.
Written by Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK, they said: “As members of Nato, we are committed to strengthening Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest. The pre-coordinated Danish exercise Arctic Endurance conducted with Allies, responds to this necessity. It poses no threat to anyone.
“We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. Building on the process begun last week, we stand ready to engage in a dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity that we stand firmly behind.
“Tariff threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. We will continue to stand united and coordinated in our response. We are committed to upholding our sovereignty.”
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The UK Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden all face 10% tariffs on exports to the US from February, which will rise to 25% in June if Trump does not get Greenland.
In a statement on Truth Social last night (January 17), Trump said: “These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”
Trump claims Greenland is vital for the US’ national security, a claim contested by Denmark and NATO allies. The overwhelming majority of Greenlanders do not want to join America.
This comes after the UK recently revealed it had dispatched a military officer to Greenland, coinciding with Denmark’s increased military activity in the Arctic and High North regions.
(Image: Arctic Creative/HO/AFP via Getty)
Trump continued: “Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.
“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
Mr Trump declared the US was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades”.
He insisted it was “time for Denmark to give back”, warning: “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.”
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