In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said the levy would rise to 25% from June 1 if no agreement is reached on what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the United States. He framed the move as a matter of national security, warning that “world peace is at stake” if the US does not secure full control over the mineral-rich island.

European governments responded swiftly, rejecting both the tariffs and the underlying premise of Trump’s demand. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tariff threat “completely wrong,” while French President Emmanuel Macron said it was “unacceptable.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden would not allow itself to be “blackmailed” and confirmed consultations with the EU, Norway and the UK to coordinate a response.

The dispute centres on Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. European leaders have reiterated that decisions regarding Greenland’s future rest solely with Denmark and the people of Greenland. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU would defend international law and the territorial integrity of its member states.

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the tariff announcement came as a surprise, adding that Copenhagen is strengthening its military presence in Greenland in coordination with allies. Several European countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands and the UK, have pledged limited troop deployments and surveillance support in the region. Germany said it would send a 13-member security team, while Sweden confirmed participation in a military exercise at Denmark’s request.

Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is critical to US security due to its strategic location between North America and Europe, its role in missile surveillance, and concerns over growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. He has also pointed to Greenland’s reserves of rare earth minerals, oil and gas, and the opening of new Arctic shipping routes due to melting ice.

The White House said the administration is exploring multiple options to expand US control in Greenland, including security agreements. European officials warned that the tariff move risks derailing broader EU-US trade talks and deepening transatlantic tensions at a time of global economic uncertainty.