President Donald Trump said he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plan to acquire Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark. He did not name which nations might be targeted or explain the legal basis for the tariffs.
Trump’s comments came as an 11-member bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visited Greenland to show support and meet leaders in Denmark and Greenland. The group was led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who said the visit aimed to hear local views and reduce tensions.
Trump has argued Greenland is vital to U.S. security and has suggested Washington could obtain it «the easy way» or «the hard way,» implying purchase or force. Denmark has warned that any military action would threaten NATO.
European allies have backed Denmark, sending small military contingents to Greenland for reconnaissance missions. The U.S. already maintains a military presence at the Pituffik base in Greenland and has the right to deploy more troops under existing agreements with Denmark.
Lawmakers in Washington have introduced bills both to block and to support any attempt to annex Greenland, reflecting broad concern in the U.S.. Danish officials said the possibility of a military takeover was not raised in recent talks but added they are taking Trump’s statements seriously.
