'Dangerous game': Trump slaps new tariffs on Europe in push to take Greenland

President Donald Trump made the stunning announcement Saturday that he would be placing new 10% tariffs on eight European nations in retaliation for having recently “journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown,” in just the latest show of force in his efforts to see the United States acquire the arctic island.

“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 wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question. Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.”

The countries in question are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. Trump also said that the 10% tariff would be increased to 25% on June 1, and would stand until “such a time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland.”

Trump has floated the idea of the United States acquiring Greenland since 2019, and in recent months, has ramped up those calls, telling reporters this month “we need Greenland from the standpoint of national security.” Greenland is currently a territory of Denmark, though operates autonomously with its own government.