Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on the UK and seven European countries, linking the move to his demand that the United States gain control of Greenland.
In a dramatic escalation, the US president revealed that a 10% import tax will be applied to goods from Britain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland from February 1. The tariffs are set to rise sharply later in the year.
Responding on Saturday evening, Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Trump’s decision as “completely wrong”, warning that the UK would raise the issue directly with Washington.
US Tariff Plan Targets NATO Allies Over Greenland
Posting on Truth Social, Trump confirmed the import tax would increase to 25% on June 1 and stay in force “until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” by America.
Greenland has remained under Danish sovereignty for more than 300 years, but Trump claimed global security concerns justified his demand.
He wrote: “World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dogsleds as protection, one added recently.
“Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States, and the World at large, is at stake. On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown.”
Earlier this week, the UK confirmed it had deployed a military officer to Greenland, as Denmark expanded its Arctic and High North defence presence.
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Trump continued: “This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.
“Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”
He also stated: “The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades.”
UK Leaders Reject Trump’s Greenland Tariff Ultimatum
Starmer reiterated the UK’s stance, saying: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.
“We have also made clear that Arctic Security matters for the whole of NATO and allies should all do more together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.
“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also criticised the decision, calling it “a terrible idea”.
She posted: “President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland. People in both UK and US will face higher costs. These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country.
“The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland. On this, I agree with Keir Starmer.”
Speaking during a visit to Westminster last week, Greenland’s minister Naaja Nathanielsen said the territory “felt betrayed” by Trump’s repeated threats to seize control of the island.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey labelled Trump a “bully” and said the prime minister’s US strategy had collapsed.
He wrote: “Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and NATO allies just for doing the right thing.
“Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan.”
Starmer’s US policy lies in tatters. Trump is now punishing the UK and NATO allies just for doing the right thing.
Time for the PM to stand firm against the bully in the White House, and work with European and Commonwealth allies to make him back down from this reckless plan. https://t.co/9O0IvLKGsQ
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) January 17, 2026
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