Trump’s Greenland tariff threat shakes NATO and sparks European backlash
A sudden crisis inside the alliance
European leaders reacted strongly after Donald Trump threatened heavy tariffs on eight NATO countries unless the United States is allowed to buy Greenland.What started as a political dispute quickly turned into a wider crisis that raised doubts about the strength of the alliance.
NATO secretary general Mark Rutte said he spoke directly with Trump about the “security situation in Greenland and the Arctic.”He plans to meet him again in Davos in the coming days. His message was simple. The situation is serious and the alliance needs calm, not confusion.
European ministers warn of danger
Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Trump’s threat affects “the global geopolitical order as we know it.”He warned that the future of NATO is at risk. He also said Europe must stand together and show strength when facing pressure.
Other European countries agreed. Finland said tariffs would hurt both sides and solve nothing. France said the EU should be ready to use its “anti coercion” tool if needed.Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni said Trump’s move was a mistake and that she had already told him she opposed the idea.
Joint statement from eight European nations
The UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden released a strong joint statement.They said Trump’s threat risks a “dangerous downward spiral” that could damage transatlantic ties. They also said they stand in full support of Denmark and Greenland.
Ireland’s leader warned that any attempt to undermine Greenland’s sovereignty cannot be accepted. He said a trade war would be damaging for economies around the world.
Growing concern from US allies
Trump’s former vice president Mike Pence said the current path threatens to break the relationship between the United States and its European partners.He reminded viewers that Denmark has always been a strong US ally.
He said he hopes the situation will improve soon, although he added that he believes the United States has a national security interest in Greenland.
US senator Mark Kelly also criticised the plan. He said Americans would end up paying more while damaging relations with key partners.
He noted that European troops are already moving into Greenland to protect the territory from the United States. He said this level of tension is dangerous and could leave America isolated.
Markets react to the tension
Global markets felt the pressure as investors tried to understand the impact of a possible trade war.
European stocks have been strong this month, but analysts say a prolonged standoff could shake confidence. Defence stocks in Europe have already jumped as tension increases.
Norway’s prime minister Jonas Gahr Stoere urged caution. He said a trade war helps no one and risks getting out of control.
EU holds emergency meeting
The European Union called an emergency meeting with ambassadors from all 27 member states. They gathered to discuss Trump’s threat and plan a united response.
Officials said Europe will remain firm on sovereignty, territorial integrity and support for Denmark.
European Council president António Costa and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said tariffs would damage relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. They promised full support for Denmark and Greenland.
A turning point for the alliance
What makes this moment unusual is that the dispute is not between rivals. It is happening between close allies who normally cooperate on security, trade and global stability.
The idea of buying Greenland has created friction before, but this time the situation is more serious because it comes with threats of economic punishment. European leaders say this crosses a line.
For now, the situation remains tense. Europe is united behind Denmark. The United States is pushing for control of Greenland.
NATO leaders are trying to keep communication open. And the world is watching to see whether the alliance can hold together under this pressure.
