Trump’s clash with Europe over Greenland

January 21, 2026

It is well known that Donald Trump wants to acquire Greenland for its mineral wealth. In simple terms, he wants to buy Greenland. He even sent a proposal to Denmark offering a hefty price, but Denmark did not agree. The major European countries that make up NATO are opposing Trump’s move. The US has become irritated by the opposition from European countries. Trump had said that a 10 percent tariff would be imposed on countries that opposed the US buying Greenland, and he followed through on this threat.

If they don’t comply, this tariff will increase to 25 percent from June. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Finland, England, and the Netherlands will be subject to the tariffs. This move by Trump has created an awkward situation. The US and European countries have always cooperated with each other until now. The existence of NATO countries is due to the US. If the tariff increases to 25 percent from June 1st and the US remain adamant, then NATO countries and the US will be at loggerheads. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also opposed Trump’s policies of acquiring Greenland. He said that “we are responsible countries.” The future of Greenland should be decided by its inhabitants and Denmark.

Carney asked the US to keep its promises. Since 2019, there have been attempts to annex Greenland to the US (by buying or acquiring it). Historically, the US has been trying to buy Greenland for the last 150 years. Several presidents have attempted this, but Denmark has refused every time. This issue gained momentum during Trump’s second term. Legally, this is not easy because both Greenland and the US are NATO countries. Legally, one NATO country cannot militarily occupy another NATO country.
Such an action by the United States would be illegal and against the NATO treaty. Article 5 of the treaty states that an attack on one is considered an attack on all. If an external enemy attacks, all member states will retaliate together.