Trump Links Greenland Ambitions to Nobel Snub, Threatens Tariffs on Allies

President Trump has escalated his bid to acquire Greenland, linking his efforts to a perceived snub for the Nobel Peace Prize and threatening significant tariffs on eight NATO allies who oppose his demands. This move has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders and raised concerns about the stability of the transatlantic alliance.

Greenland Acquisition Linked to Nobel Prize Snub

President Trump has asserted that his determination to acquire Greenland is partly fueled by his failure to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In a text message to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Trump stated that without the prize, he no longer feels solely obligated to pursue peace and can prioritize U.S. interests. He also questioned Denmark’s historical claim to Greenland, asserting that “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”

Escalating Tariff Threats Against Allies

Trump has vowed to “100%” implement tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland. These tariffs are set to begin at 10% on February 1, increasing to 25% on June 1, unless a deal for the “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland” is reached. European leaders have strongly opposed these measures, with the EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating, “Sovereignty is not for trade.” The German auto industry association president called the demands “ludicrous” and urged a coordinated response from Brussels.

International Condemnation and NATO Concerns

Leaders across Europe have condemned Trump’s actions, with Denmark emphasizing that threats cannot secure ownership of Greenland. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has discussed Arctic security with Danish and Greenlandic officials, reaffirming the alliance’s commitment to collective security. Concerns are mounting that Trump’s aggressive stance could fracture NATO, a scenario seen as a significant win for Russia and China. Some U.S. lawmakers have also voiced opposition, with Senator Rand Paul calling the situation “ridiculous.”

Supreme Court Review of Existing Tariffs

Adding to the trade tensions, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule soon on the legality of President Trump’s existing tariffs, which were imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. A ruling against the administration could limit Trump’s authority to impose such measures, though his trade negotiator, Jamieson Greer, indicated plans to reestablish tariffs using alternative legal avenues if necessary. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would not overrule the president’s economic policies.

Greenland’s Opposition and Protests

Greenland itself has shown strong opposition to being acquired by the United States. Hundreds of residents marched in Nuuk, the capital, chanting “No means no” and “Yankee, go home.” Polls indicate an overwhelming majority of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. Denmark has reiterated that it does not have the authority to sell the self-governing territory and that its inhabitants will decide their own future.