Official statements from the Danish government or U.S. government announcements

Trump Threatens Tariffs on Denmark, Citing Greenland's Strategic Value for National Security and Free World

Jan 7, 2025, 06:05 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark if it does not relinquish control of Greenland, asserting that the territory is vital for U.S. national security due to its strategic value. Trump stated that Greenland, home to approximately 45,000 people, is needed to protect the 'free world' from the presence of Chinese and Russian ships in the area. He questioned whether Denmark has a legal right to Greenland, suggesting that if it does, it should cede the territory to the U.S. Greenland's leader has repeatedly stated that the territory is not for sale. Trump also mentioned that he would consider tariffs at a 'very high level' if Greenland were to vote for independence or to join the U.S.