US President Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries that have opposed the US control of Greenland, with the rate set to climb to 25% in June if no deal is reached over the purchase of the island.
In a social media post, Trump said he was using tariffs as leverage to force talks with Denmark and other European countries over the status of Greenland, which he regards as critical to US national security. The move has sparked tensions between Trump and NATO allies, who have expressed concern over the use of trade penalties to bend them to his will.
The tariff threat is seen as a problematic rupture in the alliance that dates back to 1949, providing collective security to Europe and North America. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described Trump's move as a "surprise" given constructive talks with top US officials earlier this week.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Antonio Costa said in a joint statement that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. They emphasized Europe's commitment to upholding its sovereignty.
The move has sparked widespread protests in Greenland, with hundreds of people braving near-freezing temperatures to march in support of their own self-governance. Thousands more marched through Copenhagen, carrying flags and holding signs with slogans such as "Make America Smart Again" and "Hands Off".
Danish Maj Gen Sren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, said that European troops were deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training, not to send a message to Trump's administration. The goal is to work together with allies on security in the face of potential threats from Russia.
US lawmakers have expressed concern over the use of tariffs as a tool to get what they want without resorting to military actions. Senator Chris Coons said that if the US does things that make Denmark question its ability to be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be their ally or believe in their representations?
The situation has highlighted the challenges of using trade penalties to achieve diplomatic goals and the risks of damaging relationships with key allies.
In a social media post, Trump said he was using tariffs as leverage to force talks with Denmark and other European countries over the status of Greenland, which he regards as critical to US national security. The move has sparked tensions between Trump and NATO allies, who have expressed concern over the use of trade penalties to bend them to his will.
The tariff threat is seen as a problematic rupture in the alliance that dates back to 1949, providing collective security to Europe and North America. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described Trump's move as a "surprise" given constructive talks with top US officials earlier this week.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Antonio Costa said in a joint statement that tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. They emphasized Europe's commitment to upholding its sovereignty.
The move has sparked widespread protests in Greenland, with hundreds of people braving near-freezing temperatures to march in support of their own self-governance. Thousands more marched through Copenhagen, carrying flags and holding signs with slogans such as "Make America Smart Again" and "Hands Off".
Danish Maj Gen Sren Andersen, leader of the Joint Arctic Command, said that European troops were deployed to Nuuk for Arctic defense training, not to send a message to Trump's administration. The goal is to work together with allies on security in the face of potential threats from Russia.
US lawmakers have expressed concern over the use of tariffs as a tool to get what they want without resorting to military actions. Senator Chris Coons said that if the US does things that make Denmark question its ability to be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be their ally or believe in their representations?
The situation has highlighted the challenges of using trade penalties to achieve diplomatic goals and the risks of damaging relationships with key allies.
... Like, I get that Trump wants what he thinks is best for US national security, but 10% tariff? That's a big ask. And now it's going up to 25% if no deal is reached in June? That's like, super aggressive 
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. I know they're trying to stand firm on sovereignty and all that, but can't they just talk it out with Trump instead of making a big show of it? It feels like they're missing an opportunity for a constructive conversation 
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Hundreds of people braving the cold to march for self-governance? That's amazing 
. We should be supporting them, not Trump trying to exert his influence 
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. It's like, can we really trust that using tariffs will get us what we want without damaging relationships in the process? 
He's trying to use tariffs as leverage, but it's only gonna make Europe play hardball 
️ And let's be real, what's the point of taking control of Greenland in the first place? 
It's not like it's gonna give him some kind of superpower or something 
. It's not like it'll just lead to a giant tit-for-tat game where everyone gets hurt. I mean, who needs international cooperation when you can just play economic chicken with your friends? 
. Trump's using tariffs like a big ol' nuclear card, thinkin' it'll scare everyone into doin' his bidding. Newsflash, Donald: it's not gonna work 
. You're just gonna end up losin' all your buddies in NATO and lookin' like the ol' bully you are 
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. And then he's threatenin' to jack it up to 25% if no deal's reached? Give me a break! It's like tryin' to negotiate with a toddler who just threw his toy cars all over the floor 
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. Like, dude, we're talkin' about a whole continent here! If you can't work with us on this, then maybe you should just be our friend instead of tryin' to take over our ice caps 
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. Just get along, Donald, and stop makin' a fool of yourself! 
they're not even talking about security anymore it's all about who's got more bargaining power 
danes are already super stressed about us influence in their country and now this tariff thing is just gonna add fuel to the fire... it's a real shame, too, 'cause the whole nato alliance thing was meant for good not this kinda drama 
I'm worried that this move could damage relations with our allies in Europe even more than we already have. NATO has been a solid foundation for security cooperation for decades now - let's not risk undoing all that progress for some perceived advantage. 
I mean, what's the end game here? Is Trump really that desperate to control Greenland? And what about all these European countries who are already doing their part for NATO? They're just trying to keep the peace and security in Europe. This whole thing is just a mess. Can't they just talk it out like adults? 
. It's like trying to negotiate a deal by waving a gun around 
. Not exactly the kind of diplomacy we need in our international relationships 
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, and everyone's all upset about it 
And can we talk about how weird it is for there to be protests in Copenhagen with American flags and "Make America Smart Again" signs? 
. The best solution would be to have constructive talks and find common ground 
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. The EU and Denmark have been trying to work together with him on security issues, but does he listen? Nope 
you're gonna hurt relationships and make ppl lose trust in us 
but at the same time, it's scary to see how close we are to a trade war 
Now it sounds like Trump's trying to break that bond just to get what he wants. Like, dude, we get it, you're passionate about Greenland... but tariffs are not the answer 