Trump’s remarks came as international criticism mounted over renewed suggestions that the United States should gain control of Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. He warned that countries standing in the way of U.S. strategic interests could face economic consequences, including higher tariffs on exports to the American market.
The comments immediately drew concern in Europe and Canada, where officials reiterated that Greenland’s status is governed by international law and the principle of self-determination. Danish leaders have repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale and that any discussion about its future must involve the people of Greenland themselves.
Analysts say Trump’s threat signals a willingness to link trade policy with geopolitical pressure, a strategy that could strain alliances and disrupt global markets. “Using tariffs as leverage over sovereignty issues is highly unusual and risky,” one trade expert said, noting that such moves could provoke retaliatory measures and legal challenges.
Greenland’s political leaders have also rejected the idea outright, stressing that the island’s future will be decided democratically and not through external pressure. Indigenous leaders warned that treating Arctic territories as strategic assets ignores the rights and voices of the people who live there.
While the White House has not outlined which countries could be targeted or when tariffs might be imposed, the remarks add to uncertainty at a time when global trade relations are already under stress.
Diplomats say the episode underscores growing unpredictability in U.S. foreign and trade policy, with allies now weighing how to respond if rhetoric turns into concrete economic action.