EU diplomats will convene on Sunday for an emergency meeting after Donald Trump announced tariffs against European countries over their opposition to US control of Greenland.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said 10 per cent tariffs would come into effect on February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.
Those tariffs would increase to 25 per cent on June 1 and would continue until a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland, Trump said. The meeting between EU officials will take place at around 5pm local time (4pm GMT, 11am ET).
"World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing Denmark can do about it," Trump said. He went on to claim Greenland is only protected by two dogsleds.
It has prompted fury in Europe. "Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral European Commission president,” Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council president Antonio Costa said in posts on X.
British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer branded the tariffs “completely wrong”, while French president Emmanuel Macron said the move was “unacceptable”, adding: “No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland.”
Key Points
- EU calls emergency meeting over Trump tariff announcement
- Trump says US control of Greenland necessary for world peace
- Tariffs 'completely wrong', says Starmer
- Macron: Trump's intimidation and threats will not influence us
- Trump announces 10% tariffs on UK and other countries over Greenland
Minority leader Schumer says Democrats will introduce legislation to block these tariffs
07:00 , Shweta SharmaSenate minority leader Chuck Schumer said on Saturday that Democrats would move to block president Donald Trump’s proposed 10 per cent tariffs on European countries, imposed over his demand that the US acquire Greenland.
“Donald Trump’s foolhardy tariffs have already driven up prices and damaged our economy and now he is only making things worse,” Schumer said in a statement. “It is incredible that he wants to double down on the stupidity by imposing tariffs on our closest allies for his quixotic quest to takeover Greenland.”
“Senate Democrats will introduce legislation to block these tariffs before they do further damage to the American economy and our allies in Europe,” he said.
Republican senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska also criticised the tariffs, with Tillis saying they were “bad for America, bad for American businesses, and bad for America’s allies”.
“We are already seeing the consequences of these measures in real time: our NATO allies are being forced to divert attention and resources to Greenland, a dynamic that plays directly into Putin’s hands by threatening the stability of the strongest coalition of democracies the world has ever seen,” Murkowski wrote on X.
In Pictures: Massive protest draws thousands in Greenland
06:30 , Shweta SharmaThousands of Greenlanders marched across snow and ice on Saturday to protest against US president Donald Trump, as fears grow over an American takeover of the territory.
Carrying placards, waving the national flag and chanting “Greenland is not for sale”, the demonstrators voiced support for self-governance and rejected mounting pressure from Washington.
Cost of tariffs would be 'enormous', warns Germany's auto lobby
06:02 , Alex CroftA German auto industry lobby group has warned the cost of Trump’s tariffs will be “enormous” for German and European industry.
"The costs of these additional tariffs would be enormous for German and European industry, especially in these already challenging times," said Hildegard Mueller, the president of the German auto industry association VDA.
"What is crucial now is a smart, strategic response from Brussels that is coordinated with the countries affected," she added.
British prime minister condemns Trump's 'completely wrong' tariffs
05:30 , Shweta SharmaSir Keir Starmer and several European leaders have united in condemning Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Nato allies as part of a bid to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland to the United States.
The British prime minister described the move as “completely wrong” and said he would raise the issue directly with the US administration.
“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,” Sir Keir said.
“We have also made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of Nato, and allies should do more together to address the threat from Russia across the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective security is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
Earlier this week, the UK confirmed it had sent a military officer to Greenland at Denmark’s request, as Copenhagen stepped up its presence in the Arctic and High North.
Downing Street said the officer had joined a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic endurance exercise and denied it amounted to a deployment.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said Trump was “completely wrong”, warning the measures would burden British businesses.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said the tariffs would hurt the UK economy, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Trump of “punishing” Britain.
Thousands march in Greenland to support Arctic island in the face of Trump's threats to take it over
04:30 , Shweta SharmaThousands of Greenlanders braved freezing weather conditions to march on snow and ice against US president Donald Trump’s plans ro takeover the autonomous territory.
They held signs of protest, waved their national flag and chanted "Greenland is not for sale" in support of their own self-governance in the face of increasing threats of an American takeover.
Just as they finished their trek from the small downtown of Greenland's capital city Nuuk to the US consulate, the news broke: Trump, from his home in Florida, announced he will charge a 10 per cent import tax starting in February on goods from eight European countries over their opposition to U.S. control of Greenland.
In Nuuk, Greenlanders of all ages listened to traditional songs as they walked to the consulate.
"I thought this day couldn't get any worse but it just did," Malik Dollerup-Scheibel said. "It just shows he has no remorse for any kind of human being now."
History will not forgive Trump’s threats, former foreign secretary warns
04:01 , Alex CroftOur Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind told the Independent: “Trump’s threat is reckless, dangerous and is bound to fail.
The UK, France, Germany and many other European countries will maintain their opposition to any US attempt to annexe Danish territory against the wishes of the Danish, and Greenland people.
Greenland has been governed by Denmark since the 1720s, 50 years before the United States was even created.
“Trump has as much right to demand the annexation of Greenland against the wishes of its people as Canada would have to demand Alaska; or Mexico to demand the return of New Mexico.
Tariff increase threats should have no impact on the British or European response.
We must hope that US Senators and Congressmen, regardless of party, will make clear their united opposition to this dangerous policy of the current President. Also, the US Supreme Court should rule that the tariff threats would be illegal and that annexation of Greenland would violate the US Constitution.
If the American people do not force the President to drop this policy then we will face a serious breach between Europe, including the UK, and the US for the remainder of the Trump Presidency. This will create many serious economic and political problems. But to concede Trump’s demands would be much worse.
Trump is not as bad as Putin but he seems determined to destroy his own reputation in a manner that history will not forgive.”
'China and Russia having a field day', says EU's top diplomat
03:30 , Alex CroftKaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, has said China and Russia will be having a “field day” after Trump’s tariff announcement.
“China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies,” she wrote on X.
“If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.”
In his announcement, Trump argued that only the US can protect Greenland from China and Russia.
Ms Kallas also said the dispute must not distract from ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Trump announcement in full
03:00 , Alex Croft Bel Trew | Why Donald Trump is so fixated with Greenland
02:30 , Alex CroftOur chief international correspondent Bel Trew takes a look at Donald Trump’s fixation with Greenland:
Tariffs in 'no one's interest', says Finland's prime minister
02:00 , Alex CroftFinland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo said tariffs would be in “no-one’s interest” and would harm the US and Europe.
Writing on social media, he said: “Finland’s position is that issues among allies are resolved through discussion and shared rules, not by creating pressure. The United States has raised concerns related to the Arctic region. Arctic security is an important issue for Finland.
“Finland wants to strengthen Arctic security together with all allies, while respecting the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland.
“I understand the concerns of Finns. Tariffs would be harmful to both Europe and the United States. They are in no-one’s interest.
“We are working closely with our European partners and allies. We are ensuring the security of Finland and Finns.”
'These tariffs will hurt us,' says Farage - ICYMI
01:30 , Alex CroftThe leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, is the latest to respond to Donald Trump’s tariffs announcement.
Writing on social media, he said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us.
“If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another look at Diego Garcia.”
In pictures: Large demonstrations in Nuuk, Greenland
01:01 , Alex Croft Keir Starmer says Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland is ‘completely wrong’
00:35 , Alex CroftSir Keir Starmer has lashed out at Donald Trump’s decision to hit the UK and other European countries with a 10 per cent tariff if they continue their opposition to a US takeover of Greenland.
The US president threatened to increase the tariff to 25 per cent from 1 June, until a deal is reached to buy Greenland from Denmark. It applies to the UK, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland.
Sir Keir said the government will take this up directly with the Trump administration, after the US president warned “world peace” is at stake if the US is not permitted to control the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
"Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong,” the prime minister said in a statement. “We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration."
Read the full report here:
Starmer says Trump’s threat to impose tariffs over Greenland is ‘completely wrong’
EU leaders' statement in full
00:10 , Alex CroftAs we reported earlier, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa said in a joint statement that Trump’s move would case a “dangerous downwards spiral”.
Here is their statement in full:
“Territorial integrity and sovereignty are fundamental principles of international law.
“They are essential for Europe and for the international community as a whole.
“We have consistently underlined our shared transatlantic interest in peace and security in the Arctic, including through Nato.
“The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.
“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.
“Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”
'This isn't trade policy. It's pressure politics'
Saturday 17 January 2026 23:45 , Alex CroftLiam Byrne, Labour chair of the UK’s Commons Business and Trade Committee, said on social media: “This isn’t trade policy. It’s pressure politics.
“Using tariffs to punish allies for lawful security decisions sets a dangerous precedent.
“Britain must now stand with its allies to force a rethink – calmly, collectively – but with consequences.”
And UK Treasury minister Torsten Bell wrote: “Madness – totally wrong when all Nato allies should be focused on the Russian threat and Ukraine.”
US official says EU should consider separating Greenland tariff issue from US trade deal
Saturday 17 January 2026 23:19 , Alex CroftA US trade representative said on Saturday it is up to Europe to decide whether it wants to raise Donald Trump’s new tariff threats during negotiations on a trade deal.
"If I were the Europeans I would probably try to silo this off if they can. If they want to make it an issue in the trade deal that's really up to them and not us," Jamieson Greer told reporters at the Detroit auto show.
Trump on Saturday vowed to hit some European allies with tariffs for opposing his over desire to take over Greenland.
Donald Trump says he is speaking with NATO on occupying Greenland
Saturday 17 January 2026 22:59 , Alex CroftTrump tariffs 'more bad news' for British business, says Chambers of Commerce
Saturday 17 January 2026 22:41 , Alex CroftThe Trump tariffs would be more bad news for British businesses, the British Chambers of Commerce said.
William Bain, its head of trade policy, said in a statement: “New tariffs on goods exported to the US will be more bad news for UK exporters, already struggling with the tariffs levied last year.
“We know trade is one way to boost the economy and the success of transatlantic trade depends on reducing, not raising, tariffs.
“The Government must prioritise the implementation of the Economic Prosperity Deal and negotiate calmly to remove the threat of these new tariffs.”
Tariffs will provoke 'dangerous downwards spiral', warn EU leaders
Saturday 17 January 2026 22:25 , Alex CroftEuropean Union leaders on Saturday warned of a "dangerous downward spiral" over Trump's vow to implement increasing tariffs on European allies until the US purchase of Greenland is permitted.
"Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty," European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council president Antonio Costa said in posts on X.
The bloc's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said tariffs would hurt prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic, while distracting the EU from its "core task" of ending Russia's war in Ukraine.
'China and Russia having a field day', says EU's top diplomat
Saturday 17 January 2026 22:10 , Alex CroftKaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, has said China and Russia will be having a “field day” after Trump’s tariff announcement.
“China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies,” she wrote on X.
“If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.”
In his announcement, Trump argued that only the US can protect Greenland from China and Russia.
Ms Kallas also said the dispute must not distract from ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
EU calls emergency meeting over Trump tariff announcement
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:49 , Alex CroftAmbassadors from the European Union's 27 countries will convene on Sunday for an emergency meeting after US president Donald Trump vowed a wave of increasing tariffs on European allies until the United States is allowed to buy Greenland.
Cyprus, which holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, said late on Saturday that it had called the meeting for Sunday. EU diplomats said it was set to start at 5pm (4pm GMT, 11am ET).
European lawmakers set to block EU-US trade deal over tariff announcement
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:47 , Alex CroftLawmakers in the European Union may be set to block the approval of the bloc’s trade deal with the US, after Donald Trump as threatened tariffs on seven countries over their Greenland policy.
Manfred Weber, the president of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament - the largest political group - said an agreement with the US is no longer possible.
“The EPP is in favor of the EU-US trade deal, but given Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland, approval is not possible at this stage,” Mr Weber said in a post on social media.
The agreement to lower tariffs on US products “must be put on hold”, he said.
The trade agreement was struck between European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and Trump last summer, as the former looked to avoid a full-blown trade war with the US.
But it still requires approval from the parliament, and critics have said it is too heavily weighted in the US’ favour.
‘He can f*** off’: Senior Labour MP to Trump
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:39 , Alex CroftWhitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Trump’s latest threats have provoked an outraged reaction among MPs.
One senior Labour MP told the Independent: “He can f*** off”.
Earlier Sir Keir Starmer said the government would be "pursuing" the
US over the threat of tariffs from President Donald Trump over Greenland.
He added that “applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong."
Bel Trew | Why Donald Trump is so fixated with Greenland
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:38 , Alex CroftOur chief international correspondent Bel Trew takes a look at Donald Trump’s fixation with Greenland:
Trump insists he is 'open to negotiation'
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:20 , Alex CroftIn his post, Trump accused allies of Denmark of playing a “very dangerous game”.
"These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable," Trump wrote.
"The United States of America is 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 said.
In pictures: Large demonstrations in Nuuk, Greenland
Saturday 17 January 2026 21:03 , Alex Croft Full report: UK politicians criticise Trump’s plan to hit UK with tariffs over Greenland
Saturday 17 January 2026 20:47 , Alex CroftDonald Trump’s plan to hit the UK with tariffs until a deal is reached to purchase Greenland has prompted criticism from politicians who fear for their impact on the economy.
The US president said the UK will be charged a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” sent to the US from February 1, increased to 25% from June 1, until a deal is reached for Washington to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland, adding they would be a “burden for businesses across our country”.
Reform leader Nigel Farage said the tariffs would “hurt” the UK, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Trump was “punishing” the UK.
Politicians criticise Trump’s plan to hit UK with tariffs over Greenland
Green Party says UK must not be 'cowed' by Trump's 'unhinged' threat
Saturday 17 January 2026 20:33 , Alex CroftThe Green Party has said "unhinged" Donald Trump's tariff threat was an "outrageous abuse of power", and that the UK should not be "cowed".
Ellie Chowns, the leader of the Parliamentary Green Party and MP for North Herefordshire, said in a statement: "Donald Trump treats the international stage like a schoolyard playground, attempting to bully and brute force other countries into compliance with his imperialist agenda.
"The unhinged president's latest threat to impose tariffs on the UK and a swathe of our European allies is an outrageous abuse of power and a direct attack on the principle of national self-determination, treating the future of Greenland as if it were a piece of spoils to be bought and sold.
"The UK must not be cowed. In an attempt to uphold Britain's so-called 'special relationship' with the US, the UK Government has continuously appeased and emboldened the increasingly erratic president as he pursues a dangerous agenda of naked geopolitical vanity. This cannot continue. Chasing the White House's favour will not secure Britain's economic future; it leaves us exposed to the whims of a man with no respect for international law and order.
"The UK Government must show genuine backbone: publicly reject this brutish manipulation tactic by Trump, stand firm with Greenland's right to self-determination, and urgently pursue closer, constructive ties with Europe that protect Britain's long-term interests.
"Greenland cannot be bought - it's time to prove that Britain can't be either."
Greenland residents stage 'Stop Trump' protest as president continues threats
Saturday 17 January 2026 20:18 , Alex CroftHistory will not forgive Trump’s threats, former foreign secretary warns
Saturday 17 January 2026 20:03 , Alex CroftOur Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Former foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind told the Independent: “Trump’s threat is reckless, dangerous and is bound to fail.
The UK, France, Germany and many other European countries will maintain their opposition to any US attempt to annexe Danish territory against the wishes of the Danish, and Greenland people.
Greenland has been governed by Denmark since the 1720s, 50 years before the United States was even created.
“Trump has as much right to demand the annexation of Greenland against the wishes of its people as Canada would have to demand Alaska; or Mexico to demand the return of New Mexico.
Tariff increase threats should have no impact on the British or European response.
We must hope that US Senators and Congressmen, regardless of party, will make clear their united opposition to this dangerous policy of the current President. Also, the US Supreme Court should rule that the tariff threats would be illegal and that annexation of Greenland would violate the US Constitution.
If the American people do not force the President to drop this policy then we will face a serious breach between Europe, including the UK, and the US for the remainder of the Trump Presidency. This will create many serious economic and political problems. But to concede Trump’s demands would be much worse.
Trump is not as bad as Putin but he seems determined to destroy his own reputation in a manner that history will not forgive.”
Cost of tariffs would be 'enormous', warns Germany's auto lobby
Saturday 17 January 2026 19:47 , Alex CroftA German auto industry lobby group has warned the cost of Trump’s tariffs will be “enormous” for German and European industry.
"The costs of these additional tariffs would be enormous for German and European industry, especially in these already challenging times," said Hildegard Mueller, the president of the German auto industry association VDA.
"What is crucial now is a smart, strategic response from Brussels that is coordinated with the countries affected," she added.
Swedish PM says he will not be 'blackmailed' by Trump
Saturday 17 January 2026 19:33 , Alex CroftSweden is in talks with the UK and other European countries about the proposed Trump tariffs, its Prime Minster has said.
Writing on social media, Ulf Kristersson said: “We will not let ourselves be blackmailed.
“Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.
“I will always stand up for my country, and for our allied neighbours. This is an EU issue that affects many more countries than those now being singled out.
“Sweden is now having intensive discussions with other EU countries, Norway, and the United Kingdom for a co-ordinated response.”
Breaking: Starmer says tariffs 'completely wrong'
Saturday 17 January 2026 19:21 , Alex CroftBritish prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs is “completely wrong”.
Sir Keir said in a statement: "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."
Trump's announcement in full
Saturday 17 January 2026 19:13 , Alex Croft Trump tariff threats a sign of Europe's weakness, German economist says
Saturday 17 January 2026 19:01 , Alex CroftPresident Donald Trump's threat of tariffs to punish European countries over Greenland is a sign of Europe's weakness and inability to act, the head of Germany's DIW economic research institute said on Saturday.
"Europe has steadily given in and let Trump have his way, instead of standing up for its own interests and promoting multilateralism globally," said DIW President Marcel Fratzscher.
"This mistake is now coming back to haunt us," Fratzscher said, adding that Trump would "continue to blackmail Europe until Europe... shows backbone, and acts more wisely".
Macron: Trump's intimidation and threats will not influence us
Saturday 17 January 2026 18:48 , Alex CroftFrench president Emmanuel Macron has issued a punchy response to Donald Trump’s “unacceptable” tariffs announcement.
“No intimidation nor threat will influence us, neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” he said.
“Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context,” he added in a post on X. “Europeans will respond to them in a united and coordinated manner if they were to be confirmed. We will know how to uphold European sovereignty.”
The French president said the belief in national sovereignty, which defined its response to Russians war in Ukraine, will also define how it approaches the Greenland issue.
EU planning response, says EU Council president
Saturday 17 January 2026 18:36 , Alex CroftWe’ve now heard from European Council president Antonio Costa, who said the EU was very firm in defending international law, in response to a question about new tariff threats from US president Donald Trump.
Mr Costa added that he was coordinating an EU response on the issue.
"What we can say is that the European Union will always be very firm in defending international law, wherever it may be, which of course begins within the territory of the member states of the European Union," Mr Costa told a press conference shortly after Trump’s announcement.
"For now, I am coordinating a joint response from the member states of the European Union on this issue," he continued.
'These tariffs will hurt us,' says Farage
Saturday 17 January 2026 18:21 , Alex CroftThe leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, is the latest to respond to Donald Trump’s tariffs announcement.
Writing on social media, he said: “We don’t always agree with the US government and in this case we certainly don’t. These tariffs will hurt us.
“If Greenland is vulnerable to malign influences, then have another look at Diego Garcia.”
Starmer's US policy 'in tatters' with Trump 'punishing UK', says Lib Dem leader
Saturday 17 January 2026 18:07 , Alex CroftThe leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats, Sir Ed Davey, has said Donald Trump is “punishing” the UK.
Writing on social media, he said: “Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and Nato allies just for doing the right thing.
“Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.”
We’re still waiting to hear from prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and other European leaders of countries that now face tariffs.
Analysis | Embarrassment for Starmer’s failed charm offensive
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:56 , Alex CroftThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke writes:
Donald Trump’s plan to slap tariffs on the UK is a major blow for Starmer.
Not only was foreign policy perhaps the only area where the government was seen to be performing relatively well, but the PM now faces accusations of having appeased the volatile US president, an approach which critics will say has only emboldened Trump.
Already, Lib Dem leader Ed Davey - a vocal critic of the government’s foreign policy - has come out and warned Starmer’s foreign policy “lies in tatters”, calling for the PM to finally “stand firm against the bully in the White House”.
But it’s not just optics that will be a major blow for the prime minister. The UK’s ailing economy is in an extremely fragile state, with figures published this week showing we had growth of just 0.3 per cent in November.
There were hopes the country’s precarious finances had started to show the green shoots of recovery. But there’s no doubt that 10 per cent tariffs across the board will put a significant dampener on hopes of an economic comeback.
Starmer will now be attempting to salvage the wreckage, in hopes that the good relationship he has built with Trump can be leveraged to negotiate a carve out for Britain.
But as Trump has shown time and time again, sharing warm words with the US president means very little when it comes to his foreign policy.
The US and Greenland are in ‘disagreement’. Here are three ways it could end
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:47 , Alex CroftA “fundamental disagreement” persists. This was the only concrete outcome of the meeting at the White House between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials on January 14, as each side maintained its original position on Greenland’s sovereignty. The Trump administration argued that the US has to take direct control of the island, while both Danish and Greenlandic officials firmly rejected the idea.
This was perhaps to be expected. The recently released US National Security Strategy made one thing very clear: US foreign policy is now defined by an assertive approach towards the entire Western Hemisphere.
Washington claims the right to intervene in other countries’ domestic affairs – even militarily, if necessary – in order to guarantee US strategic and corporate interests.
Professor of International Relations Michele Testoni writes, before Trump’s tariff announcement:
The US and Greenland are in ‘disagreement’. Here are three ways it could end
In pictures: Large anti-Trump protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:38 , Alex Croft Trump says US control of Greenland necessary for world peace
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:32 , Alex CroftIn his Truth Social announcement, Donald Trump has framed his tariffs as an effort to guarantee world peace.
China and Russia, he says, both want Greenland - which he says cannot protect itself.
“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake.
He also noted visits to Greenland by European officials, which he said took place for “purposes unknown”.
The UK announced it had sent a military officer to Greenland as Denmark stepped up its military presence in the Arctic and High North.
“This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,” the US president added.
“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.”
Why does Trump say the US 'needs' Greenland?
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:19 , Alex CroftDonald Trump first proposed US control over Greenland in 2019, towards the end of his first sting as president.
At the time, the idea was turned down and described as “absurd” by Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen.
But why is the US president so insistent that Washington should purchase the semi-autonomous Danish territory?
Greenland’s Arctic location is key: Greenland sits off the northeastern coast of Canada, with more than two-thirds of its territory lying within the Arctic Circle. That has made it crucial to the defence of North America since the Second World War.
Rare earth minerals: Greenland is a rich source of the so-called rare earth minerals that are a key component of mobile phones, computers, batteries and other hi-tech gadgets that are expected to power the world’s economy in the coming decades.
US military presence in Greenland: The US Department of Defence operates the remote Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, which was operated by the US after they and Denmark signed the Greenland Defence Agreement in 1951. It supports missile warning, missile defence and space surveillance operations for the US and Nato.
Security threats to the Arctic: In 2018, China declared itself a “near-Arctic state” in an effort to gain more influence in the region. China has also announced plans to build a “Polar Silk Road” as part of its global Belt and Road Initiative. Meanwhile, Russian president Vladimir Putin has said Russia is worried about Nato’s activities in the Arctic and will respond by strengthening its military capability in the polar region.
Leader of UK's Conservatives says Trump tariffs 'completely wrong'
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:12 , Alex CroftThe UK’s leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch said Donald Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland.
The Conservative Party leader 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.”
Watch: Greenland residents stage 'Stop Trump' protest as president continues threats
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:02 , Alex Croft'We have subsidised Europe for many years'
Saturday 17 January 2026 17:01 , Alex CroftIN a long-winded post on Truth Social announcing the new tariffs, Trump says the US has “subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs”.
“Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!” he added.
“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,” the post added.
“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.”
Trump announces 10% tariffs on UK and other countries over Greenland
Saturday 17 January 2026 16:51 , Daniel KeanePresident Donald Trump has announced new 10 per cent tariffs on the UK, Denmark and other European countries over their opposition to Greenland being taken over by the US.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said 10% tariffs would come into effect on February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.