European leaders condemned President Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of 10% (rising to 25%) on a group of European nations if the U.S. is not allowed to buy Greenland. Emmanuel Macron called the move "unacceptable," and Keir Starmer said Greenland’s future should be decided by Greenlanders and Denmark. Thousands in Greenland protested, while separate U.S. stories included reports of protest injuries, rising energy bills, Trump bond purchases, and controversial new dietary guidance.
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland — Europe Rebukes as Greenlanders Rally
Donald Trump says he will impose tariffs on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland.Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images(Photograph: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
European leaders have strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on several European countries if the United States is not permitted to purchase Greenland, warning the move would damage transatlantic relations and risk escalating tensions.
Tariff Threat and U.S. Statement
On Truth Social, Mr. Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland starting 1 February, rising to 25% on 1 June. He wrote that the tariff would remain "due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."
European Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron denounced the tariff threats as "unacceptable," saying they have no place in relations with European partners — particularly given Denmark’s role as an EU member, a NATO ally and a signatory to the UN charter. "No intimidation or threats will influence us," he said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the move as "completely wrong," reiterating that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that its future should be decided by Greenlanders and Danes.
Greenland Protests
Thousands of Greenlanders marched across snow and ice in demonstrations rejecting the idea of a U.S. takeover. Protesters carried placards, waved national flags and chanted "Greenland is not for sale," responding to heightened diplomatic pressure.
Related U.S. Developments
Several separate stories in the United States added to a volatile news week: reports say two protesters were blinded by so-called "less-lethal" munitions fired by federal officers during an anti-ICE demonstration in Santa Ana, California, prompting renewed scrutiny of federal use-of-force policies. A Guardian analysis found that electricity bills rose by 6.7% and gas bills by 5.2% last year, contradicting a campaign promise to halve Americans’ energy costs.
Financial disclosures indicate Mr. Trump purchased at least $1 million in bonds issued by Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery shortly after commenting that he would be involved in a proposed merger between the companies. In Washington, a jury acquitted a man charged with aiming a laser at Marine One while it transported the president; the verdict was reached quickly.
New dietary guidelines proposed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. place animal-based proteins — including higher-saturated-fat items such as cheese and red meat — above some plant-based proteins, drawing criticism from health and environmental experts. Meanwhile, protests in Washington, D.C., accompanied Supreme Court arguments in a case that could affect whether transgender children may participate in school sports. Organizers have also called for nationwide walkouts on 20 January to protest the administration.
Analysis
Senior correspondent Lisa O’Carroll wrote that Mr. Trump’s tariff threats appear designed to divide European governments and blunt opposition to U.S. pressure over Greenland. Observers say the episode underscores growing diplomatic strain and the unpredictable role of economic tools in foreign policy disputes.
Key quote: "This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland," Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social.
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