Chicago – January 18, 2026
US Senator Bernie Sanders has sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on eight NATO allies, warning that the move could severely damage long-standing international alliances. The tariffs were announced in response to European nations backing Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland.
In a public statement on Saturday, Sanders argued that punishing close allies for supporting Denmark’s territorial rights is both reckless and unnecessary. He emphasized that the United States already benefits from military access to Greenland through existing agreements with Denmark, making Trump’s aggressive stance unjustified.
“Trump is raising tariffs on eight NATO allies because they rightly support Denmark’s sovereignty in Greenland,” Sanders said. “Destroying our closest alliances to take Greenland—which Denmark already lets us use freely is insane. Congress must say no.”
Tensions between Washington and several European capitals have intensified following Trump’s threat to impose a 10 percent import tariff beginning in February. The president has further warned that the rate could increase to 25 percent by June if the United States is not permitted to acquire the Danish Arctic territory.
Critics argue that the proposed tariffs risk undermining NATO unity at a time when cooperation among Western allies is critical for global security. Sanders has urged Congress to step in and block any trade measures that could weaken diplomatic and military partnerships with Europe.
