Donald Trump backlash as EU leaders angry at presidents Greenland tariff plans

Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders united in condemnation of Donald Trump’s plan to apply tariffs on several NATO allies until a deal is reached for the US to acquire Greenland from Denmark

Sir Keir Starmer and European leaders have joined forces to condemn Donald Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on multiple Nato allies until an agreement is struck for the US to purchase Greenland.

The Prime Minister branded Mr Trump’s move as “completely wrong” and vowed he would be “pursuing this directly” with the US administration.

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From February 1, the US president announced that Britain will face a 10% tariff “on any and all goods” exported to America, rising to 25% from June 1, until Washington secures a deal to buy Greenland from Denmark. He confirmed the same measures would apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland, claiming they had “journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown”.

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The Prime Minister said: “Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes.We have also made clear that Arctic security matters for the whole of Nato and allies should all do together to address the threat from Russia across different parts of the Arctic.

“Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of Nato allies is completely wrong. We will of course be pursuing this directly with the US administration.”

Despite Washington ramping up pressure regarding its Greenland ambitions, US reports indicate the affected nations received no advance warning of the announcement. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson revealed his nation was engaged in “intensive discussions” with fellow European countries to establish a coordinated response, whilst French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed he would hold discussions with European counterparts.

Finland’s president has joined the long list of European leaders who have condemned Donald Trump’s latest tariffs. Alexander Stubb echoed remarks made by the Finnish prime minister, Petteri Orpo, saying: “Finland proceeds from the principle that matters between allies are resolved through discussion and shared rules of the game, not by creating pressure.”

He added: “European countries stand united. We emphasize the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty. We support Denmark and Greenland. Dialogue with the United States continues. Tariffs would be detrimental to the transatlantic relationship and could lead to a harmful spiral.”

Earlier in the week, the UK acknowledged it had deployed a military officer to Greenland as Denmark bolstered its military presence in the Arctic and High North regions. Downing Street clarified the officer was sent following Denmark’s request to participate in a reconnaissance group in preparation for a planned Arctic endurance exercise, though officials dismissed suggestions this constituted a “deployment”.

In a Saturday post on Truth Social, Mr Trump declared: “These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable. Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.”

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Mr Trump stated the US was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades”.

He insisted it was “time for Denmark to give back”, noting: “China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.”

EU leaders maintained the Danish exercise “poses no threat to anyone” and cautioned that tariffs risked triggering a “dangerous downward spiral” in transatlantic relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa said: “The pre-coordinated Danish exercise, conducted with allies, responds to the need to strengthen Arctic security and poses no threat to anyone.

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“The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.”

Mr Macron declared he would not submit to “intimidation”, whilst Mr Kristersson maintained “we will not let ourselves be blackmailed”. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store posted on social media: “Threats have no place among allies.”

The EU’s foreign affairs supremo warned that tariffs could leave both the US and EU worse off financially whilst handing an advantage to China and Russia. Former Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas posted on social media: “China and Russia must be having a field day. They are the ones who benefit from divisions among Allies.

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“If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside Nato. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.”

Mr Trump’s decision has sparked widespread criticism from UK politicians, who are concerned about its potential impact on the economy. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch stated that Mr Trump was “completely wrong” to impose tariffs over Greenland, adding that they would be a “burden for businesses across our country”.

Reform leader Nigel Farage expressed that the tariffs would “hurt” the UK, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey accused Mr Trump of “punishing” the UK. In Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, hundreds rallied on Saturday in support of self-governance.

Simultaneously, thousands participated in demonstrations across Denmark opposing any US takeover of Greenland. Since the US began openly discussing the annexation of Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK has intensified discussions on Arctic security, with Sir Keir raising the issue in calls with Mr Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

The British Chambers of Commerce warned that Mr Trump’s proposed tariffs over Greenland could have a “greater impact” on UK exports if they are added to existing tariffs. William Bain, its head of trade policy, told the Press Association: “If there’s stacking of these duties and that is how the US government intends to implement this statement tonight, then these tariffs would have a greater impact upon UK goods exports to the US than even the Rose Garden statement of April 2 had last year.”

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