By Ayo Kehinde
United States President, Donald Trump, has escalated his campaign to acquire Greenland, announcing a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from the United Kingdom, Denmark and other European countries, backing Copenhagen’s opposition to his demands.
The tariffs, which Trump said would apply to “all or any goods” exported to the United States, are scheduled to take effect from February 1.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president said the measures would remain in place until “such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland”.
The move marks a sharp intensification of the standoff between Washington and several of its traditional allies and is expected to further strain transatlantic relations.
Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States must acquire Greenland for national security reasons, citing its strategic position between North America and the Arctic. The island plays a critical role in early-warning missile defence systems and in monitoring shipping and military activity in the region.
“If we don’t take Greenland, Russia or China will take Greenland,” Trump has said, warning that rival powers pose a growing threat in the Arctic. While he has floated the idea of purchasing the territory, Trump has also suggested that the US could take control of Greenland “the easy way” or “the hard way”, refusing to rule out the use of military force.
Greenland’s leaders have firmly rejected Trump’s overtures, insisting the island is not for sale. Denmark, a Nato member state, has also dismissed the proposal, stressing that Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory whose future must be decided by its people.
The announcement drew criticism in the UK, where Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch described the tariffs as a “terrible idea” that would harm consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
“President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. Customers in both the UK and the 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”, Badenoch said in a social media post.
