U.S. President Donald Trump warned he may impose tariffs on any country that resists his push to bring Greenland under American control, escalating an already fraught dispute over the Arctic island’s future.
Speaking at a White House meeting, Trump called Greenland “vital to U.S. national security” and suggested Washington would secure it “the easy way or the hard way,” an apparent reference to purchasing the territory or seizing control. He did not specify which nations could face new import duties or cite the legal basis for such measures.
The remarks landed as an 11-member bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visited Nuuk to meet Greenlandic lawmakers and the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland. Delegation lead Sen. Chris Coons said their aim was to listen and lower tensions.
Denmark, which oversees the self-governing island, and several European allies have publicly opposed any U.S. bid to take control. Copenhagen has warned that an American military move against Greenland could spell the end of NATO, an alliance in which both countries are members. European partners have backed Denmark’s stance and sent small contingents to Nuuk for a joint exercise, signaling support while stressing Arctic security is a shared responsibility.
The U.S. already operates the Pituffik (Thule) Space Base in northwest Greenland, a long-standing missile warning and space surveillance site where more than a hundred American personnel are permanently stationed under existing agreements. Trump argued mere access is insufficient, claiming U.S. “ownership” is needed to deter Russia and China.
Greenland’s strategic value—its location between North America and the Arctic shipping lanes and its natural resources—has drawn renewed attention. While Washington insists the island is essential to its defense posture, Denmark and European leaders say sovereignty and alliance cohesion must be respected and that any discussion must proceed peacefully and within international law.