Trump slaps tariffs on Netherlands, seven other European countries over Greenland

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media that he will impose 10 percent import tariffs on several European countries that have recently sent troops to help bolster military readiness on Greenland, a territory of Denmark. Eight countries will be affected by the tariffs, including the Netherlands, which sent two troops to the Arctic island.

The measure takes effect on February 1, Trump said, threatening to increase the rate to 25 percent on June 1. Aside from the Netherlands, the countries affected include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

"These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable," Trump wrote in 435-word screed on his TruthSocial account. "Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question."

The U.S. president has often stated his desire to seize Greenland for his country's security. Denmark and Greenland have strongly voiced their opposition to any form of takeover. The aforementioned European countries, all NATO allies with the United States, support them.

The European troops deployed to Greenland this week are there to prepare for larger joint exercises, with the Netherlands saying it is in the context of the NATO alliance. The suggestion is that the Europeans want to demonstrate to Trump that they do take Arctic security seriously.

Moreover, the United States already has the option of establishing more military bases in Greenland. In his post, Trump implied the tariffs are a fee the foreign countries have to pay to the United States.

"This tariff will be due and payable until such time as a deal is reached for the complete and total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years," he wrote. He wants to acquire the island by any means, and said he was "open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these countries," which he blamed for increasing hostilities. "Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he concluded.

Copenhagen has stated that a sale is not an option. Trump has also not ruled out using military means to seize Greenland.