Backlash after Trump threatens UK and seven other European nations with tariffs over Greenland purchase
17 January 2026, 14:30 | Updated: 18 January 2026, 06:30
Donald Trump has sparked a strong backlash after saying he will impose tariffs on eight European countries - including the UK - until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland.
The US president said 10% tariffs would come into effect on 1 February for Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.
The rate would then climb to 25% on 1 June if no deal was in place for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland" by the United States, Mr Trump wrote in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.
Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland - as it happened
The US president seems to have acted on his previous warning that he would impose tariffs on countries that do not go along with his plan to acquire the Danish territory.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Mr Trump was "completely wrong" for applying tariffs on allies who are "pursuing the collective security of NATO allies", adding that he will be "pursuing" this with the US administration.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the threat of tariffs "unacceptable" and said if implemented Europe would respond in a coordinated manner.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and European Council president Antonio Costa said in separate but identical posts on X that the European Union stood in "full solidarity" with Denmark and Greenland.
"Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty," they said.
Officials from Norway, Sweden, France and Germany reiterated support for Denmark and said tariffs should not be part of Greenland discussions.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Mr Trump was "completely wrong" to impose tariffs, adding they would be a "burden for businesses across our country".
Reform leader Nigel Farage said the tariffs would "hurt" the UK, and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Mr Trump was "punishing" the UK.
The European Union has called an emergency meeting of ambassadors from the 27-member countries for Sunday following Mr Trump's announcement.
Tariffs 'in retaliation'
The US president indicated the tariffs were a retaliation after European countries sent military personnel to Greenland in a show of support for the territory.
He wrote: "These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable."
So far France has sent as many as 15 personnel to the Danish territory, Germany has sent 13 and the UK has sent one military officer.
