Trump Stuns World with Greenland Tariff Ultimatum to European Allies
Donald Trump shocked the world on Saturday by announcing a wave of escalating tariffs against European allies. The move directly links trade penalties to his demand for the purchase of Greenland. Leaders and citizens globally reacted with disbelief and sharp criticism.
"Complete and Total Purchase of Greenland"
Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social platform. He declared that eight European countries would face immediate tariffs. These nations include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
"Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America," Trump wrote. "On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."
European diplomats told CBS News that Washington provided no official forewarning to its NATO partners. This lack of communication amplified the shock across European capitals.
Diplomatic Tensions and Pushback
The tariff announcement follows recent diplomatic talks. Danish officials earlier this week pushed back against claims that Russian and Chinese warships operate freely near Greenland. Danish intelligence stated no Chinese warship has been spotted in the area for over a decade.
All eight targeted nations already face existing Trump-era tariffs. Their governments reacted with a mix of shock and defiance to this new economic threat.
Netizens Unleash Fury and Mockery
While European leaders responded diplomatically, online commentators showed no restraint. They flooded social media with criticism and satire directed at Trump.
British television personality Piers Morgan mocked the proposal with a historical twist. "Britain should repurchase America. After all, it was ours once, and it would enhance our North Atlantic security," he wrote. "If you don’t sell it to us, President Trump, we’re going to impose tariffs on the U.S."
Entrepreneur Brian Krassenstein labeled Trump a dictator. "Trump is now threatening to put his tariffs on countries that don't go along his illegal attempt to take over Greenland. This is what Dictators do," he stated.
Many other comments echoed this sentiment. One user compared the United States under Trump to North Korea. "Donald Trump should apply all the tariffs. Deter us from trading with the United States even further. Have your hermit kingdom. North Korea v2.0," they wrote.
Jokes, Warnings, and Geopolitical Shifts
Some reactions took a humorous angle. A user referenced the Hollywood movie Greenland, joking about doomsday scenarios. "Trump making a chess move here. Once purchase is complete next move will be Gerard Butler telling us the world will end soon," they quipped.
Others expressed sheer frustration. "In a span of an hour, Trump says he is suing JP Morgan and imposing large tariffs on Europe until we purchase Greenland. Someone needs to take his phone away," wrote another commentator.
Peter Schiff, chief economist at Europac, issued a grave economic warning. "Trump has it backwards. The U.S. doesn’t subsidize the world; the world subsidizes the U.S.," he said. "Soaring debt, tariffs, and military threats jeopardize that status. When it’s lost, economic collapse will follow."
Canada Sees Opportunity in Chaos
Canadian users suggested Trump's actions might push their country closer to China. One wrote a mock breakup message to Trump. "Dear Donnie, Like… this just isn’t working anymore. We’ve moved on. China’s, like, our new BFF now," they said, citing trade shifts like reduced canola tariffs.
Another user from Canada saw a strategic advantage. "The crazier Trump gets—wild tariffs, trade tantrums, 51st-state threats—the more Canada shines as the calm, stable, reliable trade partner everyone else wants to deal with instead. Bullish Canada," they concluded.
The global reaction paints a picture of deepening alienation. Trump's tariff ultimatum over Greenland continues to reverberate, challenging traditional alliances and reshaping geopolitical perceptions.
