Trump Intensifies Greenland Push, Warns Denmark Over ‘Russian Threat’ and Imminent Action

United States President Donald Trump has sharply escalated pressure on Denmark over the future of Greenland, asserting that Copenhagen has failed to counter what he described as a growing Russian threat in the Arctic region. In a strongly worded social media statement, Trump claimed that years of warnings had gone unheeded and declared that Washington would now move toward action.

In his post, Trump said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization had repeatedly urged Denmark to address security risks around Greenland, particularly those linked to Russia’s strategic activity in the Arctic. According to him, Denmark’s inability to respond effectively has created a vacuum that the United States is no longer willing to tolerate. He framed the issue as both a security imperative and a matter of urgency, suggesting that decisive steps were imminent.

The remarks have further strained relations between the United States and Europe, coming amid rising tensions between Washington and the European Union. Trump’s comments coincided with his announcement of fresh trade measures targeting countries that have voiced support for Denmark’s position on Greenland. The move has triggered alarm in European capitals, with policymakers warning of a potential escalation into a wider trade conflict.

As part of the latest measures, Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from several European nations, including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, effective from February 1. The decision prompted emergency consultations in Brussels, where EU representatives met to assess countermeasures and evaluate the broader implications for transatlantic relations.

Following these discussions, European leaders indicated that the bloc may consider activating its strongest trade retaliation mechanism, known as the Anti-Coercion Instrument. Often referred to as the EU’s “trade bazooka,” the tool would allow the bloc to impose restrictions on investments, access to public procurement, and intellectual property protections against countries accused of using economic pressure for political leverage. If deployed, it would mark the first time the EU has used this instrument.

Trump has repeatedly stated that he will accept nothing short of US ownership of Greenland, arguing that the island’s strategic location and resources are vital to American national security. He has warned that trade pressure on European allies would intensify unless the United States is allowed to acquire the territory. His stance has reignited a long-running controversy that has drawn criticism from European leaders and sparked debate over sovereignty and international norms.

Denmark and Greenland have consistently rejected the idea. Authorities in Copenhagen have reiterated that Greenland is not for sale, while leaders in Nuuk have emphasised that the island’s people do not wish to become part of the United States. They have underscored Greenland’s autonomous status and the right of its residents to determine their own future.

As geopolitical competition in the Arctic intensifies, Trump’s renewed push has added a volatile dimension to US-EU relations. With trade retaliation now on the table and rhetoric hardening on both sides, the Greenland dispute is emerging as a significant flashpoint with potential consequences for global diplomacy, security cooperation, and international trade.