On Friday, January 16, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new warning about the possible imposition of tariffs on other countries, as part of his strategy to have the United States take control of Greenland, a key island due to its geopolitical and national security value.
The announcement was made during an event on rural healthcare, where Trump publicly renewed his interest in Greenland and suggested that trade tariffs could be used as a tool of diplomatic pressure.
Trump insists on controlling Greenland for security reasons
«I could do that with Greenland too», Trump declared, referring to the imposition of new tariffs, thereby broadening the scope of his trade warnings.
The U.S. president stated that he could impose tariffs on countries that do not agree to Greenland coming under U.S. control, arguing that the island is fundamental to U.S. national security.
«I could impose a tariff on countries if they don’t agree to Greenland coming under U.S. control, because we need Greenland for national security reasons», Trump said.
Read more: Cold fronts will cause unusually low temperatures in South Florida this weekend
Which countries could be affected by the new tariffs?
Although Trump did not mention specific countries, the warning could directly impact Denmark, the nation to which Greenland belongs as an autonomous territory, as well as European allies involved in the discussion.
In recent days, high-level officials from the United States, Denmark, and Greenland held meetings in Washington to address the controversy sparked by Trump’s interest in the island.
International reactions to Trump’s warning
The U.S. president’s statements have sparked concern in Europe and the Arctic, a region of growing strategic importance. Russia and the European Union have expressed their support for the people of Greenland, defending their right to decide their future in the face of external pressure.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Greenland is key to military control of the Arctic, as well as to monitoring shipping routes and potential strategic threats.
Greenland, the new geopolitical flashpoint
Trump’s insistence on acquiring Greenland revives a global debate over sovereignty, national security, and international trade, in a context marked by trade wars, tariffs, and strategic rivalries among powers.
The possible imposition of new U.S. tariffs could escalate diplomatic and trade tensions with Europe, especially if it is implemented as a pressure tactic to change the island’s status.
