President Donald Trump on Saturday announced new tariffs on goods from eight European countries as part of an effort to secure U.S. acquisition of Greenland, which is currently a territory of Denmark.
Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It holds strategic importance due to its Arctic location, natural resources, and role in missile defense systems.
The U.S. has maintained a military presence there since World War II, including at Thule Air Base. Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland dates back to 2019, but the issue resurfaced in early 2025 with initial threats of tariffs if Denmark did not relinquish control.