President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that oppose US efforts to control Greenland. He made the comments on January 16, 2026, during a White House roundtable on rural health care.
Trump said he may target nations that “don’t go along with Greenland” because the US needs it for national security.
Trump has talked about Greenland for months. He insists the US must have control of the large Arctic island. It belongs to Denmark but has self-rule.
Leaders there and in Copenhagen have said no to any sale or takeover. Trump called anything less than US hands-on it “unacceptable” earlier this week. Now he brings tariffs into the mix.
The president spoke about past tariff threats on European allies over drug prices. He listed countries he pressured. Then he added Greenland. “I may do that for Greenland too,” he said. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland.” He gave no details on which countries or what rates.
Greenland sits in the North Atlantic. It has key minerals and a strategic spot for military bases. The US already runs Pituffik Space Base there under old agreements. Trump says more control is vital for security against Russia and China in the Arctic. Melting ice opens new shipping routes and resources. That draws interest from big powers.
Denmark and Greenland officials reject the idea. They call Greenland not for sale. A bipartisan US congressional group visited Copenhagen this week to ease tensions. They met Danish and Greenlandic leaders. The trip aimed to show support for the partnership.
Trump first floated buying Greenland in 2019 during his first term. Denmark called it absurd then. The talk faded but came back strong now. He has not ruled out force but focuses on economic pressure this time.
World reactions came quick. European leaders worry about new trade fights. The EU is a major US partner. Tariffs could affect cars, food, or tech. Some analysts say it tests NATO ties. Denmark is an ally.
Inside the US, views split. Some strong moves back for security. Others see it as overreach that hurts alliances. Polls show most Americans do not support forcing a deal.
Trump calls himself the “tariff king”. He used them often before on China, Mexico and others. The Supreme Court may rule soon on some of his past ones.
For Greenland’s 57,000 people, mostly Inuit, the talk brings uncertainty. They want more say in their future. Independence from Denmark is a long debate there.
No tariffs announced yet. It stays as a threat. Talks between the US, Denmark and Greenland continue. The issue could drag on.
This latest statement keeps the Greenland question in the news. It shows Trump’s style on foreign goals. Watch for responses from Europe in the coming days.
