US President Donald Trump has said that he may impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plan for the United States to acquire Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO ally. The statement adds fresh pressure to Trump’s controversial push to gain control of the strategically important Arctic island. 

Speaking on Friday at a health roundtable held at the White House, Trump made it clear that economic measures could be used to push countries into backing his plan. “I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security,” Trump said. 

Trump’s remarks came after he stated earlier in the week that the United States needs Greenland for its national security interests. On Wednesday, he warned that if the US does not secure the territory, rival powers such as Russia or China could attempt to gain influence or control over the Arctic region. 

The US president compared the possible tariffs related to Greenland to the trade threats he made last year against France and Germany. At that time, Trump had warned of tariffs over the high prices of pharmaceutical products in those countries, using economic pressure as a negotiating tool. 

The latest threat is seen as part of Trump’s increasing efforts to acquire Greenland. The Republican president has made it clear that he is serious about the idea and has even suggested that military force could be used if required. This has raised concerns among European allies and within the international community. 

Trump has argued that Greenland is important for the United States not only because of its strategic location in the Arctic but also because it is rich in minerals. He has accused Greenland of not doing enough to protect itself from the growing influence of Russia and China in the region. 

In response to Trump’s statements, several European countries have openly shown their support for Denmark and Greenland. In recent days, European nations have sent troops to Greenland, highlighting the strategic importance of the territory and signalling their backing amid Trump’s escalating threats. 

Adding to the developments, a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress arrived in Copenhagen on Friday. The delegation aims to express support for Denmark and Greenland and to underline the importance of maintaining strong ties with US allies. 

Efforts have also been made through diplomatic channels to reduce tensions. On Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland visited the White House for discussions with US officials. After the meeting, however, both ministers said that they remained in “fundamental disagreement” with Trump over the issue of Greenland’s future. 

Despite these disagreements, there has been some movement toward continued dialogue. The White House said on Thursday that the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have agreed to set up a working group. This group will meet every two to three weeks to continue discussions related to the issue and explore ways forward.

While talks are set to continue, Trump’s warning about tariffs shows that the issue is far from settled. The situation highlights growing tensions between the United States and its European allies over Greenland and raises questions about the future of diplomacy in the Arctic region.