Donald Trump links Greenland threats to Nobel snub as EU trade war looms
President Donald Trump has tied his renewed push to acquire Greenland from Denmark to his frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, while threatening tariffs on several European nations. This escalation risks reigniting a trade war with the EU, which is preparing retaliatory measures. The dispute strains NATO relations amid ongoing global tensions.
Trump sent a message to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, stating that since Norway did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize for “stopping 8 wars,” he no longer feels obligated to think “purely of Peace.” He emphasized Greenland’s strategic importance for U.S. security against threats from Russia and China, questioning Denmark’s ownership rights.
Trump vowed on January 18, 2026, to impose escalating tariffs starting February 1 on EU countries including Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, plus Britain and Norway, until the U.S. can buy Greenland, which has a population of about 57,000.
EU leaders plan an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to discuss countermeasures, such as tariffs on $107-108 billion of U.S. imports or activating the Anti-Coercion Instrument to limit U.S. access to contracts and services. Markets have reacted with volatility, recalling 2025’s trade war.
Trump declined to rule out force for seizing Greenland in an NBC interview but committed to “100%” following through on tariffs. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the approach extortionate, highlighting risks to NATO unity already pressured by Ukraine and defense spending disputes.
