Chicago – January 16, 2026
President Donald Trump stated on January 16, 2026, that he may impose tariffs on countries failing to support U.S. control of Greenland, citing national security needs.
This marks the first time Trump linked tariffs to the dispute during a White House rural health care event. He compared it to past threats against European allies on pharmaceuticals, insisting, “We need Greenland.”
The remark coincided with a U.S. Congressional delegation’s Copenhagen visit to Danish and Greenlandic leaders amid rising tensions. Recent Denmark-Greenland talks with VP JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio formed a working group, but disagreements persist.
Denmark views U.S. takeover demands as unacceptable, bolstering its Arctic military presence with allies. Greenland’s PM affirmed loyalty to Denmark and NATO.
Trump has pushed for Greenland acquisition for months, rejecting alternatives.
