Trump Levies Tariffs on Denmark in Bid to Force Greenland Acquisition

A bridge built by Congress was burned by the White House. On January 19, 2026, just as a bipartisan US congressional delegation concluded a mission to de-escalate tensions in Denmark, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs on the Nordic nation. The ultimatum is clear: the tariffs will remain until Copenhagen agrees to his plan for the United States to acquire Greenland.

Trump Greenland Acquisition Tariffs 2026: A Transactional Turn

The announcement caught the bipartisan delegation off guard. They had spent days attempting to reassure Danish officials of a stable partnership. However, Trump’s move signals a shift from traditional diplomacy to aggressive transactionalism. By leveraging tariffs, the administration aims to force a conversation on Greenland’s strategic value, citing its importance for Arctic security and mineral resources.

Strained Alliances and Global Reaction

Denmark has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale. The Danish government views this pressure as an infringement on sovereignty. As a key NATO ally, the friction between Washington and Copenhagen could have ripple effects across the European Union. Markets are bracing for the impact of these tariffs as businesses navigate the sudden geopolitical instability.