Official portrait of President Donald J. Trump, Friday, October 6, 2017. (Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead)
Key Facts
• On January 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries not cooperating with U.S. ownership of Greenland.
• Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.
• Trump emphasized Greenland’s importance for U.S. national security.
• The tariff threat targets Denmark and other countries opposing U.S. claims.
• A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visited Denmark to ease tensions caused by Trump’s stance.
• Trump’s statement: “We may impose tariffs on countries not cooperating with Greenland’s ownership.”
Summary
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on January 16, 2026, that the United States might impose tariffs on countries that do not cooperate with America’s efforts to claim Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. Trump stressed that Greenland is vital for U.S. national security, signaling increased pressure on Denmark, which opposes the U.S. move. In response to rising tensions, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers visited Denmark to promote diplomatic easing. This development highlights ongoing geopolitical interest in Greenland’s strategic value and reflects escalating U.S. assertiveness in the Arctic region.
