Trump's Greenland Ambitions Stir Global Tensions Amid Tariff Threats
Published 19 January 2026
Highlights
- Former Trump adviser Gary Cohn asserts that Greenland will remain under Danish control, despite Trump's interest in the territory.
- Trump threatens tariffs on European countries opposing his Greenland acquisition plan, escalating tensions with NATO allies.
- Russia expresses support for Trump's Greenland ambitions, viewing it as beneficial to its geopolitical interests.
- European leaders, including Denmark and the UK, emphasize Greenland's sovereignty and reject Trump's aggressive tactics.
- Trump's Greenland strategy is linked to his dissatisfaction over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, further straining US-EU relations.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Trump's Greenland Ambitions Stir Global Tensions Amid Tariff Threats
The geopolitical landscape is shifting as former US President Donald Trump's ambitions to acquire Greenland have sparked international controversy. Despite Trump's assertions, former White House economic adviser Gary Cohn has emphasized that "Greenland will stay Greenland," underscoring the island's sovereignty under Denmark. Cohn, who served under Trump, highlighted the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth minerals, crucial for advancements in AI and quantum computing.
Tariff Threats and NATO Tensions
Trump's recent threats to impose tariffs on European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition have intensified transatlantic tensions. The US president has vowed to implement a 10% tariff on goods from several NATO allies, including the UK and Denmark, escalating to 25% by June if his demands are unmet. European leaders, such as Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, have condemned these threats, asserting that "you can't threaten your way to ownership of Greenland."
Russia's Strategic Calculations
In a surprising twist, Russia has expressed support for Trump's Greenland ambitions. The Russian government newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, praised Trump's efforts, suggesting that acquiring Greenland would bolster US global standing. Moscow views the strain on NATO as advantageous, potentially weakening the Western alliance.
Link to Nobel Peace Prize Snub
Trump's Greenland strategy is reportedly linked to his dissatisfaction over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. In communications with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump expressed a diminished obligation to "think purely of peace," attributing his aggressive stance to the Nobel snub. This linkage has further complicated US-EU relations, with European leaders calling for calm and dialogue to avoid a trade war.
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Scenario Analysis
The unfolding situation around Greenland could have significant geopolitical implications. If Trump proceeds with tariffs, it may trigger a trade war with the EU, potentially destabilizing global markets. NATO's cohesion could be tested, as member states navigate the delicate balance between alliance commitments and national interests. Experts suggest that diplomatic negotiations are crucial to de-escalating tensions and preserving transatlantic unity. As the situation evolves, the international community will closely monitor the interplay between US ambitions and European responses, shaping the future of Arctic geopolitics.
The geopolitical landscape is shifting as former US President Donald Trump's ambitions to acquire Greenland have sparked international controversy. Despite Trump's assertions, former White House economic adviser Gary Cohn has emphasized that "Greenland will stay Greenland," underscoring the island's sovereignty under Denmark. Cohn, who served under Trump, highlighted the strategic importance of Greenland's rare earth minerals, crucial for advancements in AI and quantum computing.
Tariff Threats and NATO Tensions
Trump's recent threats to impose tariffs on European nations opposing his Greenland acquisition have intensified transatlantic tensions. The US president has vowed to implement a 10% tariff on goods from several NATO allies, including the UK and Denmark, escalating to 25% by June if his demands are unmet. European leaders, such as Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, have condemned these threats, asserting that "you can't threaten your way to ownership of Greenland."
Russia's Strategic Calculations
In a surprising twist, Russia has expressed support for Trump's Greenland ambitions. The Russian government newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, praised Trump's efforts, suggesting that acquiring Greenland would bolster US global standing. Moscow views the strain on NATO as advantageous, potentially weakening the Western alliance.
Link to Nobel Peace Prize Snub
Trump's Greenland strategy is reportedly linked to his dissatisfaction over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. In communications with Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump expressed a diminished obligation to "think purely of peace," attributing his aggressive stance to the Nobel snub. This linkage has further complicated US-EU relations, with European leaders calling for calm and dialogue to avoid a trade war.
What this might mean
The unfolding situation around Greenland could have significant geopolitical implications. If Trump proceeds with tariffs, it may trigger a trade war with the EU, potentially destabilizing global markets. NATO's cohesion could be tested, as member states navigate the delicate balance between alliance commitments and national interests. Experts suggest that diplomatic negotiations are crucial to de-escalating tensions and preserving transatlantic unity. As the situation evolves, the international community will closely monitor the interplay between US ambitions and European responses, shaping the future of Arctic geopolitics.
