Donald Trump slaps UK with 10% tariffs for opposing him over Greenland

The President announced 10% tariffs on all UK goods from February 1 until Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the US

Donald Trump has threatened to slap the UK and other countries with 10% tariffs until an agreement is reached for the purchase of Greenland from Denmark.

The US President said the tariffs would be placed on goods exported from the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. And he warned tariffs could increase to 25% on June 1 unless they back his plan to purchase the territory.

In a statement on Truth Social last night, January 17, Trump said: “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.”

Trump claims Greenland is vital for the US’ national security, a claim contested by Denmark and NATO allies. The overwhelming majority of Greenlanders do not want to join America.

This comes after the UK recently revealed it had dispatched a military officer to Greenland, coinciding with Denmark’s increased military activity in the Arctic and High North regions.

Trump continued: “Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.

“On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.”

Mr Trump declared the US was “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”.

He insisted it was “time for Denmark to give back”, warning: “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.”

Since the US began openly discussing the annexation of Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK has stepped up discussions on Arctic security, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer raising the issue in calls with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general.

Responding to Mr Trump’s announcement, Sir Keir Starmer said: “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.”

The remarks came as hundreds gathered in Greenland’s capital Nuuk on Saturday for a demonstration backing self-determination.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch branded Mr Trump “completely wrong” for threatening tariffs over Greenland.

Taking to social media, she wrote: “A terrible idea. 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.”