Donald Trump Faces Backlash Over Threats Ahead of World Cup

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but governs itself, and both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have strongly opposed Trump’s ambitions.

The former president has not ruled out military options, though his latest threats focus on economic measures rather than force. In a series of statements, Trump accused Denmark and several European nations — including Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland — of traveling to Greenland for “unknown purposes.” In response, he announced plans to impose tariffs on those countries.

Beginning February 1, 2026, a 10% tariff would apply to all goods sent to the U.S., rising to 25% in June unless a deal is reached for the “complete and total” purchase of Greenland. Trump claimed the U.S. has subsidized Europe for decades and insisted that acquiring Greenland is essential to global security and modern defense systems. He also said the U.S. remains open to negotiations with Denmark and its allies.