President Donald Trump escalated his campaign to gain control over Greenland after several European countries deployed troops to the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
In a social media post on Saturday, he said Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland will be hit with a 10% tariff starting on Feb. 1 that will rise to 25% on June 1, unless “Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”
The announcement came after those NATO allies sent troops to Greenland this past week, ostensibly for training purposes, at the request of Denmark.
European officials have said it was meant to show they’re serious about security in the Arctic as Trump claims China and Russia are threatening Greenland, and not to defend against a possible U.S. attack. But Trump alluded to the troop deployment in his post Saturday.
“On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown,” he wrote. “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.”
Trump has consistently refused to rule out using the U.S. military in his Greenland plans, while the administration has also left open the possibility of buying the island.
That’s despite estimates that extracting oil and rare earth minerals from Greenland would cost $1 trillion and take decades to yield any returns.
Trump’s latest post suggests he’s leaning toward leveraging trade relations for a purchase rather than conquering Greenland with troops and Navy ships.
A White House meeting with officials from Denmark and Greenland failed to result in any diplomatic breakthrough with the administration refusing to budge on its stance.
While Greenland has offered the U.S. military and commercial access, Trump has insisted that only an outright takeover can secure the island and ensure national security.
“The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused,” he said on Saturday. “Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important.”