Amanze Chinonye
President Trump has announced plans to impose sweeping tariffs on several European countries, linking the measures to renewed United States efforts to acquire Greenland and citing what he described as escalating global security threats.
In a lengthy statement issued under his official account, Trump said the United States has “subsidized Denmark, and all of the countries of the European Union” for years by not imposing tariffs, arguing that it was time for Denmark to “give back.” He claimed that China and Russia are seeking control of Greenland and alleged that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend the territory.
Trump named Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland as countries he accused of engaging in “a very dangerous game” by traveling to Greenland “for purposes unknown.” He described the situation as a threat to “the safety, security, and survival of our planet.”
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According to the president, the United States will begin charging a 10 per cent tariff on all goods imported from the listed countries starting February 1, 2026. The tariff would rise to 25 per cent on June 1, 2026, and remain in effect until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump said the United States has sought to acquire Greenland for more than 150 years, noting that several past presidents had pursued the idea. He argued that modern weapons systems and a missile defence initiative he referred to as “The Golden Dome” make the acquisition “especially important,” adding that the system’s effectiveness depends on Greenland’s geographic position.
“Hundreds of billions of dollars are currently being spent on security programs,” Trump said, claiming the defence architecture could also provide protection for Canada if Greenland were included.
The president said the United States is “immediately open to negotiation” with Denmark and the other countries affected, despite what he described as decades of U.S. protection for its allies.
There was no immediate response from the governments named in the statement at the time of filing this report.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
