Trump retracts on tariffs on European countries over Greenland gambit
The sudden reversal came just hours after Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, declaring that the US wanted “right, title and ownership” of the territory.
PTC News Desk: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he was scrapping a proposed tariff plan targeting America’s European allies, following an agreement with NATO’s leadership on a “framework for a future deal” focused on Arctic security and Greenland.
The sudden reversal came just hours after Trump reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland, declaring that the US wanted “right, title and ownership” of the territory. While he said force would not be used, he mocked European allies and warned that NATO should not stand in the way of what he described as US expansion in the region.
In a striking address at the World Economic Forum, Trump argued that Greenland was “cold and poorly located” but strategically vital. He claimed the United States had effectively rescued Europe during World War II and said that his demand was minimal in comparison, remarking of NATO: “It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades.” His comments raised serious concerns about the stability of the transatlantic alliance, long regarded as one of the most durable partnerships since the Cold War.
NATO was established by major European countries, along with the US and Canada, to counter the Soviet Union. Its members have consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale and remains under Danish sovereignty, raising the possibility that Trump’s remarks could trigger a broader geopolitical confrontation.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the US will gain control of Greenland, arguing that the island is essential to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, despite the United States already operating a significant military base there.