Politics Greenland dispute: Trump announces tariffs against Germany
US President Donald Trump wants to impose new tariffs against Germany and seven other European countries, citing the Greenland conflict. The staggered tariffs are to apply until an agreement on the complete purchase of the Arctic island is reached, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. From February 1, punitive tariffs of 10 percent are to apply, and from June 1, tariffs of 25 percent - on all goods sent to the USA.
17.01.2026, 18:01
SDA
The US President reiterated his assessment that the USA must own Greenland for the security of the Arctic. He said that otherwise Russia or China would take over the island. The United States is now open to negotiations with Denmark and other nations. Trump strongly criticized the deployment of soldiers from several NATO countries, including Germany. "Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland have traveled to Greenland for unknown purposes," Trump wrote. This is a "very dangerous situation" for the safety, security and survival of the planet. The tariffs would apply to all the countries mentioned.
German Armed Forces involved in fact-finding mission
According to the Ministry of Defense in Berlin, the German soldiers are to examine conditions for joint military exercises on Greenland. The question is whether the Arctic is safe and to what extent Germany and its NATO partners can contribute to this, said a spokesperson. The German team - 15 men and women - consists of logisticians and experts from various fields. It arrived on Greenland on Friday.
On Saturday, thousands of people demonstrated in Denmark and Greenland against the US President's annexation plans. In Copenhagen, US parliamentarians announced their intention to seek talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
