US President Donald Trump has announced a new trade policy, imposing a 10% tariff on goods from eight European countries due to their opposition to the US controlling Greenland.
Starting in February, the tariffs would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. If no deal is reached by June 1 for "the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland," the rate would climb to 25%.
The move could strain relations with long-time NATO allies, particularly if Trump uses trade penalties as a tool to bend them to his will. The policy is seen as a response to what appeared to be a deployment of symbolic levels of troops from these countries to Greenland.
European leaders have expressed concerns that the tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a downward spiral. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described the move as a "surprise" despite constructive talks with top US officials this week in Washington.
President Macron has equated the tariff threat to Russian leader Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, saying no intimidation or threats will influence France.
In Greenland, hundreds of people braved near-freezing temperatures to march in support of their self-governance. Thousands also marched through Copenhagen, carrying flags and signs with slogans such as "Make America Smart Again" and "Hands Off."
A NATO delegation visited Denmark this week to reassure lawmakers that the US is committed to its alliance partners' security.
The threat of tariffs has raised questions about how the White House plans to implement them, particularly given the EU's single economic zone. There are also concerns under US law about whether Trump can use emergency powers without congressional approval.
Critics argue that using trade as leverage could harm long-standing relationships with allies like Denmark.
Starting in February, the tariffs would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. If no deal is reached by June 1 for "the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland," the rate would climb to 25%.
The move could strain relations with long-time NATO allies, particularly if Trump uses trade penalties as a tool to bend them to his will. The policy is seen as a response to what appeared to be a deployment of symbolic levels of troops from these countries to Greenland.
European leaders have expressed concerns that the tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a downward spiral. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described the move as a "surprise" despite constructive talks with top US officials this week in Washington.
President Macron has equated the tariff threat to Russian leader Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine, saying no intimidation or threats will influence France.
In Greenland, hundreds of people braved near-freezing temperatures to march in support of their self-governance. Thousands also marched through Copenhagen, carrying flags and signs with slogans such as "Make America Smart Again" and "Hands Off."
A NATO delegation visited Denmark this week to reassure lawmakers that the US is committed to its alliance partners' security.
The threat of tariffs has raised questions about how the White House plans to implement them, particularly given the EU's single economic zone. There are also concerns under US law about whether Trump can use emergency powers without congressional approval.
Critics argue that using trade as leverage could harm long-standing relationships with allies like Denmark.
! I mean, I get why Trump wants control over it, but a 10% tariff on EU goods? That's just going to hurt people who aren't even from the US 
. And can we talk about how low-key condescending this whole situation feels? Like, you wanna threaten trade wars with your friends? Come on, dude 
.
. I mean, I'm all for cooperation and diplomacy, but this whole thing just feels like Trump being, well, Trump 
.
. I love that people are standing up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the US government. It's all about balance and understanding, right? 
. It's not just about the tariffs, it's about how it's going to affect our friendships and alliances with countries we've had for years. I mean, can you imagine if someone from your school or neighborhood started being super aggressive and threatening you because you didn't agree on something? You wouldn't want to deal with that, right? 
, which isn't even a big deal for most people. I get why Denmark wants autonomy, but we shouldn't be using trade as leverage over them. It's just not cool, you know? 
. Like, I get why Trump is trying to flex his muscles and all, but tariffs? Really? 
That's just gonna create so much drama and tension between the US and Europe, you know? 
. Like, I'm not even kidding, those signs "Make America Smart Again" and "Hands Off" 
are EVERYTHING 
.
. Like, if the US can use trade as leverage like that, it's just not cool, you feel? 
. That'd be best 
.
Like, what a genius move by Trump... not. I mean, who doesn't want to strain relations with your NATO allies just for the sake of getting Greenland? 
US GDP is expected to grow by 2.3% in 2025, while the EU's is looking at a growth rate of 1.6%. 
The average US citizen is expected to pay around $100 more for goods from Europe due to these tariffs. 
Meanwhile, Greenland's population has been protesting against Denmark's control, and it seems like Trump's move might be a last-ditch effort to get them on board with the US. 
However, let's consider the data...