Europe Pushes Back as Trump Threatens Tariffs and Seeks Control of Greenland

President Trump threatened to acquire Greenland and imposed escalating tariff deadlines—10% starting Feb. 1, rising to 25% by June—aimed at eight European nations to force negotiations.

European leaders convened emergency talks in Brussels to coordinate responses, considering a potential $107 billion package and targeted tariffs or service restrictions on U.S. imports.

Denmark and allied European forces reinforced Greenland, deploying additional troops to Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq to assert sovereignty and deter coercive moves amid heightened tensions.

U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, framed Greenland as a strategic asset for rare earths, missile defense and Arctic security, while some advisers caution against military annexation.

Analysts warn Trump's coercive strategy risks fracturing NATO, strengthening Russian and Chinese leverage, and could produce negotiated off-ramps such as expanded basing or revised access agreements.