Washington, Jan 19: US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Denmark over Greenland, accusing Copenhagen of failing to address what he described as a long-standing Russian security threat to the strategically vital Arctic island. The remarks have further escalated diplomatic tensions between Washington and several European capitals.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed that NATO had repeatedly warned Denmark over the past two decades to counter Russian influence in Greenland. “NATO has been telling Denmark, for 20 years, that ‘you have to get the Russian threat away from Greenland.’ Unfortunately, Denmark has been unable to do anything about it. Now it is time, and it will be done!!!” he wrote, signalling renewed determination to act.
The statement has become a focal point of a growing transatlantic standoff, following Trump’s recent announcement of punitive tariffs linked to Greenland. Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to “obtain” Greenland, citing national security concerns and intensifying geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a self-governing territory under the Kingdom of Denmark, though Copenhagen retains authority over defence and foreign affairs. The United States already maintains a major military base on the island, underscoring its strategic importance as Arctic shipping routes and resource interests expand.
European leaders have begun coordinating a collective response to Trump’s tariff threats. On Sunday, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said European nations were acting in unity and voiced confidence in continental support. Speaking alongside Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, Rasmussen acknowledged that a tariff dispute could impose significant economic costs but stressed the importance of a coordinated European approach.
Eide adopted a firm stance, stating, “We will not yield to pressure.” Rasmussen added that while recent talks at the White House had yielded some agreements, Europe would not act unilaterally.
Trump announced that the United States would impose a 10 per cent tariff from February 1 on goods from several European countries, with the rate set to rise to 25 per cent from June unless a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
