By THE CHOSUNILBO
Washington D.C.: U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on eight countries, including the UK and France, with 10% duties starting next month and rising to 25% by June 1.
In a sharp rebuke, Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the move as “a mad act that destroys our closest allies,” fueling debate over the collision of foreign policy and economic retaliation.
These countries opposed the U.S. intention to annex Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.
As Trump refused to abandon his desire to acquire Greenland, the countries dispatched reconnaissance teams and mountain specialists as an advance party.
Trump’s administration stated, “We cannot tolerate countries playing dangerous games when the safety, security, and survival of the planet are at grave risk.” Tariff-based pressure is expected to continue until Greenland’s annexation is finalized.
Trump stated on his social media platform, “Truth Social,” on the same day, “It is essential to take strong measures to swiftly and unambiguously resolve this potential risk situation to protect world peace and security.”
From February 1st, 10% tariffs will be applied to all goods exported to the U.S. from eight countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. Trump added,
“The tariffs will increase to 25% on June 1, 2026, and will remain in effect until a comprehensive agreement on the full acquisition of Greenland is reached.”
The UK and the European Union (EU) had reached an agreement after Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs last year, but now face the need for renewed negotiations.
Trump emphasized, “The U.S. has pursued this deal for over 150 years, and Denmark has always rejected it. The necessity of acquiring Greenland has become especially critical due to the ‘Golden Dome’ (a multi-layered missile defense system proposed by Trump) and modern offensive and defensive weapon systems.
Considering angles, range, and boundary points, this land can only achieve maximum potential and efficiency if it is included.” He continued, “We have effectively subsidized Denmark, the EU, and other former member states for decades by not imposing tariffs.
Now, it is time for Denmark to repay.” While residents in Denmark and Greenland have protested Trump’s ownership claims, he left the door open to negotiation, stating, “Despite all we have done for them over decades, we are willing to immediately negotiate with countries that have taken on too much risk.”
Trump’s tariff announcement came just one day after he stated at a White House roundtable meeting, “We can impose tariffs on countries that do not cooperate on the Greenland issue because it is a matter of national security.”
The eight countries notified of the tariffs are all NATO members.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon, currently visiting Denmark, criticized, “Most Americans and I do not agree with the president’s coercive approach. Threatening NATO members is shameful.
“This announcement further clarifies why the Supreme Court should rule his tariff measures unconstitutional.”
