On January 17, 2026, Donald Trump proposed that the United States might impose tariffs on nations that do not support American control of Greenland. This statement coincided with a bipartisan Congressional delegation’s visit to Copenhagen aimed at demonstrating unity and alleviating tensions regarding the territory.
For several months, the US President has maintained that Washington should take control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, citing national security as a primary concern. Earlier this week, Trump expressed that any outcome other than the Arctic island being under US jurisdiction is “unacceptable.”
During an unrelated White House event focused on rural healthcare, Trump recounted his previous threats to European allies regarding tariffs on pharmaceuticals and hinted that he might adopt a similar approach concerning Greenland. “I may do that for Greenland too,” he stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of the island for national security.
These comments followed unsuccessful discussions in Washington earlier in the week among Danish, Greenlandic, and US officials. The goal of these talks was to address US concerns without resorting to threats or the idea of annexation. The meeting included Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers and US Vice President JD Vance, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
While the discussions did not resolve the substantial disagreements, they did lead to an agreement to establish a working group, although the purposes of this group were publicly framed in starkly different ways by Denmark and the White House. European leaders continue to assert that decisions regarding the territory of Greenland should be made exclusively by Denmark and Greenland itself, with Denmark announcing an increase in its military presence in the region in cooperation with its allies.
Strengthening US-Denmark Relations
A group of US senators and representatives held discussions with Danish and Greenlandic lawmakers, including Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Senator Chris Coons, the leader of the delegation, expressed gratitude for “225 years of being a good and trusted ally and partner,” highlighting a strong and constructive dialogue about future relations.
Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, noted the importance of nurturing the longstanding relationship, stating that “Greenland needs to be viewed as our ally, not as an asset”—a sentiment which emphasized the need for respect and partnership moving forward.
Concerns Over US Intentions
The tone of the discussions starkly contrasted with the rhetoric from the White House. Trump has sought to validate his assertions for a US takeover by claiming that both China and Russia have interests in Greenland, which is believed to contain vast reserves of critical minerals. The White House has left all options open, including the use of military force.
This issue has raised alarms across Europe, concerning both its legality and the dangerous precedent it could set. When questioned about the potential consequences of taking control of the Danish territory, Trump asserted his intention to pursue this objective “one way or another, whether they (European lawmakers) like it or not.”
The ongoing dispute looms large in the lives of Greenlanders, who challenge Trump’s narrative of an imminent threat from China and Russia. They argue that the most significant threat they face comes from Washington itself. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, stated that “if we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO. We choose the Kingdom of Denmark. We choose the EU.”