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One NATO leader has said "Europe won't be blackmailed" over Greenland as the Trump administration ups the ante on its demand to take control of the island.
17:36, Sun, Jan 18, 2026 Updated: 17:39, Sun, Jan 18, 2026
Donald Trump has threatened tariffs against nations opposing his wish for control of Greenland (Image: Getty)
A senior US official has claimed Donald Trump is attempting to “avoid a conflict” by acquiring Greenland. The US President has threatened tariffs against eight NATO allies, including the UK, for opposing American control of the Arctic island which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
In a joint statement, the leaders of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain warned Mr Trump’s plan “undermines transatlantic relations and risks a dangerous downward spiral”. However, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended the tariff plan, insisting that America buying Greenland would be best for all parties. He claimed Mr Trump is using the US’s “economic might” to “avoid a hot war”.
People in Greenland protest against Donald Trump's wish to acquire the island (Image: Getty)
Speaking to NBC News’ Meet the Press on Sunday, Mr Bessent said: "The national emergency is avoiding a national emergency.”
He added: "What we know is that Greenland can only be defended if it is part of the US, and it will not need to be defended if it is part of the US.
"I believe that the Europeans will understand that this is best for Greenland, best for Europe and best for the United States.”
The US has regularly insisted it “needs” Greenland for national security purposes.
Trump has refused to rule out military action to acquire the island, which is rich in natural resources and offers strategic advantages, especially as shipping through the Arctic region becomes easier due to warming temperatures.
His comments have taken on a new meaning following the US’s ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.
The President has said the US will acquire Greenland “one way or the other”, sparking a crisis within NATO.
A small number of European troops were sent to Greenland earlier this week for a Danish military exercise, with Copenhagen saying it wants “larger and more permanent” NATO presence on the island.
The statement from the eight NATO nations said the deployment of the troops for operation “Arctic Endurance” poses “no threat to anyone”.
Mr Trump on Saturday announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from the countries from February 1 unless they support his proposed takeover.
The move has received widespread condemnation from across the UK political spectrum, including Sir Keir Starmer.
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Danish PM Mette Frederiksen has said “Europe won’t be blackmailed”.
European Union ambassadors are holding an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
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