Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen waves a flag during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the U.S., calling for it to be allowed to determine its own future, in Nuuk, Greenland, January 17, 2026. REUTERS/Marko Djurica TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
(New York, NY) – President Trump and his administration have been ramping up pressure on Denmark to hand over Greenland to the United States. The commander-in-chief has said the effort is being pursued in the name of national security. So why is the White House trying to acquire the land Northeast from Canada, just across the Labrador Sea? Trump says the surrounding waters are full of ships of US adversaries China and Russia. The president also has plans to build a so-called Golden Dome, to shield North America from any missiles and rockets.
President Trump Turns to Tariffs
European leaders, including representatives from Denmark, have largely dismissed calls from Washington to facilitate a possible sale of Greenland to the US. So Trump is forcing the EU and any other countries who disagree with the effort to come to the bargaining table with newly announced tariffs.
Trump says the tariffs will go into effect on February 1st. If no deal is reached to trigger a sale of the territory, the tariffs will increase from 10% to 25% on June 1st. The threat of tariffs comes as the US Supreme Court considers the legality of Trump’s use of an emergency law to implement tariffs.
Weekend Protests Against US in Denmark & Greenland
Citizens of Denmark and Greenland are responding with protests in their respective capital cities. In Copenhagen, crowds marched from City Hall to the US embassy, chanting “Greenland is not for sale”. Many in the crowd wore red hats similar to the MAGA style, that read “Make America go away”. Over in Nuuk, thousands of Greenlanders braved the freezing temperatures of the Arctic island. The Prime Minister of Greenland Jens-Frederik Nielsen was among the crowd of protesters carrying the island’s flag.
77WABC Host Joe Concha still has faith in the White House and President Trump to be able to execute a deal
GOP Split on Greenland
While most of Trump’s base and full cabinet have voiced their support for acquiring Greenland, some in the GOP have voiced opposition. Senators Thom Tillis (NC) and Lisa Murkowski (AK) have both come out against the push. Tillis said it would be bad for America and US allies. Murkowski, a frequent Trump critic, said in a social media post that any operations in Greenland would benefit Russia. Kentucky Senator Rand Paul also criticized Trump’s use of emergency powers on NBC’s “Meet the Press” saying his reasoning of avoiding a future crisis would lead to “endless emergencies”. A bipartisan group of American lawmakers, including Tillis and Murkowski, paid a visit to Copenhagen this weekend to smooth over relations with Danish counterparts.
EU & NATO Priorities
European leaders gathered in Brussels for an emergency meeting to discuss the impending tariffs. The EU has been on relatively good terms with the White House since negotiations over the summer saw a reduction in their tariff rates. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a vocal supporter of Trump, called the decision an “error”. In a joint statement from eight countries including the United Kingdom and Germany, the European cohort claims tariff threats jeopardize international relations.
