US President Donald Trump has intensified his push for Greenland, warning Denmark that it has failed to address what he described as a growing Russian threat around the strategically vital Arctic territory. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said NATO had repeatedly urged Denmark for years to deal with Russian activity near Greenland, but Copenhagen had been unable to do so.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that you have to get Russian threat away from Greenland. Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done,” Trump wrote, signalling imminent US action.
Trump’s remarks come amid rising transatlantic tensions following his decision to impose new tariffs on countries backing Denmark over Greenland. The European Union is now considering deploying its strongest trade retaliation mechanism, the Anti-Coercion Instrument, often referred to as the bloc’s “trade bazooka,” for the first time.
On Saturday, Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff, effective February 1, on imports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The move triggered emergency consultations in Brussels, where EU member states discussed countermeasures and the broader impact on US–EU relations. French President Emmanuel Macron later said Europe should seriously consider using its toughest trade response.
“NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that “you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.” Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/ZyFh9OsNsn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 19, 2026
Trump has repeatedly insisted that US ownership of Greenland is essential for national security, arguing that the island’s location and resources make it critical for countering Russian influence in the Arctic. He has warned that tariff pressure on European allies will continue until the United States is allowed to acquire Greenland.
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s demands. Leaders in Copenhagen and Nuuk have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and does not wish to become part of the United States, setting the stage for a deepening diplomatic and economic standoff between Washington and its European allies.
