Trump announces 10% tariffs on key European allies over Greenland dispute

• Posted on January 19, 2026January 19, 2026
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

President Donald Trump announced Saturday, January 17, he will implement a 10% tariff on imports from several European nations beginning February 1 as he increases pressure on Denmark to sell Greenland to the U.S.

Trump posted on Truth Social the U.S. will impose the 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. All are NATO allies.

He said the tariff rate is set to rise to 25% if Denmark does not make a deal to sell Greenland to the U.S. by June 1.

Trump has been focused on acquiring the North Atlantic Danish territory since his first term and has been fixated on Greenland since retaking office almost one year ago.

In response to Trump’s pressure campaign, several European nations sent troops to the island.

Trump responded Friday threatening potential tariffs before making the Saturday announcement.

Lawmakers were quick to respond, including Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who called the pressure campaign foolish.

Once implemented, the tariffs will be taxes on goods imported into the U.S. from those countries. Companies often pass the cost of the tariff onto the consumer.

There are questions about whether these proposed tariffs are legal. The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether the president has broad authority to implement tariffs. The case dates back to Trump “Liberation Day” tariffs he announced last April.