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Trump warns of trade penalties amid Greenland push
US President Donald Trump has suggested imposing tariffs on countries that resist his administration's efforts to annex Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Speaking at a White House meeting on rural healthcare, Trump stated he might use import taxes as leverage to advance the controversial plan, though he did not specify which nations could be targeted or the legal basis for such measures.
Opposition grows in Washington and abroad
Trump's remarks come as bipartisan opposition mounts in Congress. An 11-member delegation, including Republican and Democratic lawmakers, visited Greenland this week to reaffirm US support for the territory's autonomy. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat leading the group, described the trip as an effort to "lower the temperature" and emphasize local perspectives.
Greenlandic officials, including MP Aaja Chemnitz, welcomed the delegation's visit, calling it a sign of solidarity. "We need friends. We need allies," Chemnitz told the BBC, while acknowledging the ongoing pressure from Washington. "It's a marathon, not a short sprint."
Strategic significance fuels US interest
Trump has repeatedly cited Greenland's strategic location and natural resources as critical to US national security. The island's position between North America and the Arctic makes it valuable for missile defense and maritime monitoring. The US already operates the Pituffik military base, a Cold War-era installation housing over 100 personnel, under agreements with Denmark.
However, Trump has argued that mere military access is insufficient. "We need to own it to defend it properly," he claimed, alluding to perceived threats from Russia and China. Denmark has warned that any attempt to seize Greenland by force would fracture NATO, as the alliance's mutual defense clause has never been tested against aggression by a member state.
European allies mobilize in response
Several NATO members, including France, Germany, and the UK, have dispatched troops to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to deploy "land, air, and sea assets" to the region, framing Arctic security as a collective responsibility.
A Danish official, speaking anonymously to the BBC, confirmed that Vice President JD Vance proposed a "middle ground" during recent White House talks with Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers. The official stressed that no discussion of a US military takeover occurred, but Denmark is treating Trump's statements as serious intent.
Congressional divide mirrors national debate
Lawmakers remain split on the issue. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, co-sponsored a bipartisan bill to block any annexation attempt, while another Republican congressman introduced legislation supporting the acquisition. Trump's envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, told Fox News that negotiations should focus on Greenlandic leaders rather than Denmark, predicting a deal would emerge "once this plays out."
"The president is serious. He's laid the markers down. Now it's a matter of having Secretary Rubio and Vice-President Vance make a deal."
Jeff Landry, US Envoy to Greenland
Uncertainty looms over next steps
Greenland's government continues to reject the idea of a sale or forced transfer. Chemnitz noted that diplomatic pressure from the US has persisted since 2019, with the situation evolving "hour by hour." Meanwhile, Denmark has reiterated its sovereignty over the territory, though it has not ruled out future discussions on expanded US military cooperation.
