Denmark Braces for Potential Tariffs Amid Trump's Greenland Claims
As Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, tensions are rising in Copenhagen regarding his ongoing claims to Greenland. In a recent phone conversation between Trump's team and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, concerns were expressed about the possibility of punitive tariffs on Danish imports should Greenland not come under U.S. control.
On January 20, 2025, Trump will officially take office, and speculation looms about whether he will reiterate his ambitions for Greenland in his inaugural address. Officials in Denmark are particularly worried that he may even threaten military action to assert U.S. dominance over the territory.
Despite Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Múte B. Egede extending offers for enhanced cooperation with the United States, Trump's administration has continued to voice aggressive rhetoric. The discussions following Frederiksen's call with Trump did not alleviate concerns; he maintained his stance on imposing tariffs as a lever to exert pressure on Denmark regarding Greenland.
Frederiksen characterized the situation as serious, emphasizing ongoing efforts to prevent the imposition of tariffs. She and her government are collaborating with businesses and European partners to prepare for any potential fallout from U.S. actions.
Following Trump's controversial statements in early January, Frederiksen made attempts to ease the diplomatic strain by suggesting that military intervention was unlikely, while acknowledging that tariffs seemed more plausible. In her address to the Danish Parliament's foreign affairs committee, she expressed hope for a united front among EU nations should the U.S. proceed with economic sanctions.
Olof Gill, a representative from the European Commission focusing on trade, stated that the EU is preparing for all possible scenarios, although discussions of tariffs remain speculative at this time.
In Copenhagen, there is a sense of cautious optimism as Greenland's self-governing body aligns closely with the Danish government's position against Trump's demands. Both leaders have publicly rejected any notion of Greenland becoming part of the United States, insisting that the island's future is a matter for its people alone to decide.
Egede recently reiterated this sentiment in an interview with Fox News, emphasizing Greenland's desire for autonomy and expressing that they do not wish to be under Danish or American governance. He highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with the U.S., particularly in resource development, while asserting the island's sovereignty.
A recent poll conducted by Suffolk University revealed that Trump's proposal to assert control over Greenland is largely unpopular among Americans, with over half of respondents expressing disapproval. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Democratic voters, while a smaller percentage of Republican supporters view the plan favorably.
In Congress, some Republican hardliners have introduced a bill dubbed the 'Make Greenland Great Again Act,' which aims to facilitate discussions about purchasing Greenland from Denmark. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected such proposals.
As the new administration approaches, international relations between Denmark and the United States remain precarious, with all eyes on Trump's actions and statements regarding Greenland.
