On January 18, 2026, Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose new tariffs on European nations unless they agree to sell Greenland to the United States. Van Weel characterized Trump's actions as 'blackmail,' arguing that such tactics undermine NATO alliances and do not benefit Greenland itself.

Trump's proposed tariffs, which would impose an additional 10% on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Great Britain, are linked to these countries' commitments to contribute personnel to a NATO exercise in Greenland. Van Weel emphasized that the mission aims to demonstrate European support for the defense of Greenland and opposed Trump's linkage of trade negotiations with the island's diplomatic status.

In a related announcement on January 17, Trump declared that tariffs would start at 10% on February 1 and increase to 25% by June 1, remaining in place until a deal for the purchase of Greenland is reached. This announcement followed significant protests in Denmark and Greenland, where thousands gathered to assert that 'Greenland is not for sale.' Protesters, including members of the Inuit Association, emphasized the importance of respecting Greenland's right to self-determination.

Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark with a population of approximately 57,000, has a strong sentiment against joining the United States, with 85% of its residents opposed to such a move. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen joined protests in Nuuk, where demonstrators carried signs affirming Greenland's value and rejecting U.S. claims. International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, condemned Trump's tariff threats, likening them to aggressive tactics used by authoritarian regimes.

In response to Trump's tariff threats, ambassadors from the European Union's 27 member states convened for an emergency meeting to discuss potential countermeasures. Reports indicated that European capitals are contemplating imposing tariffs worth 93 billion euros (approximately $107.71 billion) or restricting access for American companies in the European market. This response is a direct reaction to Trump's demands concerning Greenland, which has raised concerns among NATO allies.

U.S. lawmakers have also criticized Trump's actions, arguing that they jeopardize NATO alliances and undermine the United States' standing as a reliable partner. Senator Chris Coons expressed concern that such threats could destabilize the NATO alliance, while Representative Don Beyer highlighted the legal and ethical implications of using tariffs to coerce allies. Senators Bernie Sanders and Patty Murray called for congressional action to block the tariffs and prevent military force against Greenland, emphasizing the need to uphold international norms and respect for indigenous rights.

The legality of Trump's tariffs is expected to be reviewed by the Supreme Court, which may issue a ruling soon. The situation has raised alarms about the potential economic and diplomatic fallout, with some lawmakers warning that the tariffs would ultimately burden American consumers. As the U.S. government continues to assert its interest in Greenland, the implications for international relations and the rights of indigenous populations remain a significant concern.