Donald Trump has once again declared that Greenland “should be controlled by the United States,” coupling the familiar territorial ambition with a concrete threat to pull thousands of troops out of Europe.
The Greenland gambit, round two
In January 2026, Trump threatened to impose tariffs starting at 10% on Denmark and seven other European countries, with rates escalating to 25% by June, unless a complete purchase deal for Greenland was finalized. Tariffs were scheduled to begin on February 1.
The president initially left open the possibility of military action to acquire the territory. He later walked that back at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, announcing that force would not be used. Instead, he revealed what he called a “framework for a future deal” following discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
Greenland has a population of approximately 57,000 people and sits atop vast mineral reserves and strategically critical Arctic shipping lanes. Trump has framed the acquisition as vital for national security, citing competition with Russia and China in the Arctic region. The US actually tried to buy Greenland before, offering Denmark $100 million back in 1946. Denmark said no then, too.
