Donald Trump has threatened to slap 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and other countries that don’t agree with his plans to annex the Danish territory of Greenland.
The US President said the tariffs would be placed on goods from the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. He warned they could rise to 25 per cent on June 1 unless they support his plan to purchase the territory.
“These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” Trump said on TruthSocial. “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 has said Greenland is vital for its national security, a claim contested by Denmark and NATO allies. The overwhelming majority of Greenlanders do not want to join the US.
What do Greenlanders say about joining US?
The overwhelming majority of Greenlanders favour becoming independent or remaining a part of Denmark.
Just six per cent of people living on the island favour joining the US, according to a January 2025 survey by pollster Verian.
The same survey found 56 per cent would vote to become independent and 28 per cent would cast their ballot to remain part of Denmark.
Tory leader backs Keir Starmer over Greenland
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Donald Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland.
She wrote on social media: “A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs.
“These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country. The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland.
“On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
Danish Foreign Minister responds to tariff threat
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen responded to Trump’s threats to impose crippling tariffs on Denmark, the UK and other European nations that oppose Greenland being handed over to the US.
In posts shared on X/Twitter, he said: “The President’s statement comes as a surprise. Earlier this week, we had a constructive meeting with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio. The purpose of the increased military presence in Greenland, to which the President refers, is to enhance security in the Arctic.
“We agree with the US that we need to do more since the Arctic is no longer a low tension area. That’s exactly why we and NATO partners are stepping up in full transparency with our American allies.”
Trump’s TruthSocial post in full
Donald Trump shared his unhinged comments on TruthSocial earlier today.
Keir Starmer hits back at Donald Trump over wild Greenland tariff threat – ‘completely wrong’
Keir Starmer has hit back at Donald Trump over his wild Greenland tariff threat.
It comes after the US President said eight countries including the UK would be charged 10 per cent tariffs on all imports to the US if they kept opposing his push to seize Greenland.
And the tariff, he said, would increase to 25 per cent if he does not get his hands on Greenland by June.
The Prime Minister said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic. Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
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Donald Trump threatens tariffs on the UK over Greenland stance
Donald Trump has threatened to impose 10 per cent tariffs on the UK and other European nations if they do not support his plan to purchase Greenland from Denmark.