WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has backed down from his threat to impose tariffs on European countries over the Greenland issue.
Donald Trump said in a post on his social network Truth Social that following an extremely fruitful meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the idea of a future treaty with regard to Greenland had been opened.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 02:27 PM EST 01.21.26
Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This…
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 21, 2026
The former president pointed out that if this treaty is concluded, then it would bring a great profit to the U.S. and all NATO countries as well. Moreover, he pointed out that Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and a couple of other officials would be responsible for the negotiations.
In light of this fresh development, Trump announced that the tariffs initially scheduled for introduction on February 1 would not be implemented on Europe anymore.
This shift comes after Trump’s earlier threat to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed US interest in Greenland. However, European nations had rejected the President’s warning, leading to this reversal in policy.
Trump threatens tariffs on countries opposing proposed US takeover of Greenland
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing the United States’ proposed acquisition of Greenland, escalating tensions with Denmark and several European allies.
In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the US would impose a 10 percent import tariff on Denmark and its European allies starting next month to increase pressure for Greenland’s acquisition.
“We have subsidized Denmark, the European Union, and other states for many years indeed for centuries, without charging tariffs or receiving compensation,” Trump said. “Now the time has come for Denmark to repay, as global peace is at stake.”
According to Trump, the tariffs will apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. He said the tariff rate would take effect on February 1 at 10 percent and would be increased to 25 percent from June 1.
Trump warned that the tariffs would remain in place until a complete and final agreement is reached for the acquisition of Greenland. He accused the opposing countries of “playing a dangerous game,” arguing that firm measures are necessary to protect global peace and security.
The US president claimed that Washington has been attempting to purchase Greenland for over 150 years, but Denmark has consistently rejected the proposal. He added that Greenland has become increasingly important due to the development of advanced weapons systems and the ‘Golden Dome’ defense concept.
Trump’s declaration is made alongside the escalating requests in the United States for authority over Greenland, arguing with strategic reasons associated with both Russia and China. At the same time, Denmark has fortified its troops in the region of Greenland and even more so around the island.
During the past days, the military forces from a number of European nations such as France and Sweden have come to Greenland for the purpose of witnessing the military drills that Denmark has organized and to be a part of them.
