Trump says Denmark failed to contain Russian influence in Greenland

United States President Donald Trump stated that he is putting pressure on Denmark regarding Greenland because the European country does not contain a Russian presence in the Arctic territory. In a publication made this Sunday (18) on the Truth Social network, Trump stated that “the time has come” to resolve the issue and added that “it will be done”.

According to the American president, NATO has been warning for around two decades of the need to reduce Russian influence in the region, but the Danish government “did nothing” to address the problem. Trump argues that the increased Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic makes Greenland strategic for US security.

Trump has publicly defended the incorporation of Greenland into American territory. The proposal, however, was rejected by both the Danish government and the island’s autonomous administration, reigniting diplomatic tensions between Washington and European allies.

On Saturday (17), Trump also threatened to impose trade tariffs on European countries until the United States obtains authorization to negotiate the purchase of Greenland. The measure would affect members of the European Union, in addition to the United Kingdom and Norway.

Danish authorities reiterated that Greenland is not for sale and highlighted that the territory is already protected by NATO’s collective defense agreement. Over the weekend, the island was the scene of protests against the American president’s statements. Protesters carried national flags and posters with the phrase “Greenland is not for sale”, in defense of local autonomy.

Faced with tariff threats, the European Union began efforts to dissuade Washington from moving forward with trade sanctions. The bloc’s ambassadors reached a preliminary agreement to intensify negotiations and, in parallel, prepare retaliatory measures if the tariffs are implemented.

Among the options discussed is the imposition of tariffs on around 93 billion euros of American imports, which could come into force from February. Another alternative is the so-called “Anti-Coercion Instrument”, which would allow restricting United States access to public tenders, investments, financial services and trade in digital services.

The president of the European Council, António Costa, stated that the bloc’s countries demonstrated their commitment to supporting Denmark and Greenland and a willingness to react to any form of coercion. The Danish Chancellor, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said that the country will continue to prioritize the diplomatic route, citing the creation of a joint working group between Denmark, Greenland and the United States.

Tensions should be a central theme at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump will give an opening speech this Wednesday (21), his first participation in the event in six years.

Meanwhile, European countries announced the strengthening of security in the Arctic and sent symbolic military contingents to Greenland. In a joint statement, they stated that tariff threats compromise transatlantic relations and defended dialogue based on the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Trump’s statements had repercussions on financial markets, with the fall of the euro and the pound sterling against the dollar and increased expectations of global volatility.