European Nations Consider Tariffs Amid Trump’s Greenland Trade War Threats
Alex Gray, a former NSC chief of staff under Trump, joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to share his insights on European resistance to the president’s proposal to acquire Greenland, as well as the ongoing unrest in Iran.
In a significant development, European nations are contemplating measures to escalate their tariffs against the U.S. in a trade “bazooka” aimed at countering pressure from President Donald Trump. This move was hinted at by Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, during a press conference with his French counterpart in Berlin.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for the European Union to activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which has been dubbed the trade “bazooka.” Klingbeil emphasized, “There is a legally established European toolbox for responding to economic blackmail with very sensitive measures. And we should now consider using these measures.”
He further stated, “Everything must be prepared now. We are ready to find solutions. We are extending our hand, but we are not prepared to be blackmailed.”
TRUMP KNOWS GOOD REAL ESTATE — AND HE KNOWS GREENLAND’S VALUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY
President Donald Trump speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron. (Yoan Valat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Klingbeil expressed concern over the ongoing provocations from the U.S., stating, “We are constantly experiencing new antagonism, which President Trump is seeking. And here we Europeans must make it clear that the limit has been reached.”
In a joint statement, more than half a dozen European countries warned that tariff threats regarding Greenland could undermine transatlantic relations, as the White House pressures allies to agree to a deal for the acquisition of the Arctic island.
Trump threatened on his Truth Social platform to impose a 10% tariff on the eight European countries unless a deal is reached for what he termed the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
TRUMP SAYS GREENLAND’S DEFENSE IS ‘TWO DOG SLEDS’ AS HE PUSHES FOR US ACQUISITION OF TERRITORY
Residents in Greenland, the largest island in the world, have expressed concern about President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in seizing the territory. (Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The countries involved include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Trump announced that the 10% tariff would take effect on February 2, with the possibility of increasing to 25% by June 1.
Macron, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned Trump’s social media post from Saturday.
US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISITS DENMARK AMID BACKLASH OVER TRUMP’S PUSH TO ACQUIRE GREENLAND
Soldiers pass the Arktisk Kommando, the Danish Armed Forces’ Arctic Command, in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 15, 2026. (Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Kristersson stated on X that allies would not be “blackmailed,” asserting, “Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.” He also mentioned that other European Union countries are discussing a coordinated response.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, expressed her concerns regarding Trump’s remarks, warning that Russia and China could exploit divisions within NATO. She stated, “If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.” Kallas emphasized the importance of not allowing disputes to distract from the core task of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Fox News’ Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.
Alex Gray, a former NSC chief of staff under Trump, joined ‘Fox & Friends First’ to share his insights on European resistance to the president’s proposal to acquire Greenland, as well as the ongoing unrest in Iran.
In a significant development, European nations are contemplating measures to escalate their tariffs against the U.S. in a trade “bazooka” aimed at countering pressure from President Donald Trump. This move was hinted at by Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, during a press conference with his French counterpart in Berlin.
French President Emmanuel Macron also called for the European Union to activate its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which has been dubbed the trade “bazooka.” Klingbeil emphasized, “There is a legally established European toolbox for responding to economic blackmail with very sensitive measures. And we should now consider using these measures.”
He further stated, “Everything must be prepared now. We are ready to find solutions. We are extending our hand, but we are not prepared to be blackmailed.”
TRUMP KNOWS GOOD REAL ESTATE — AND HE KNOWS GREENLAND’S VALUE TO NATIONAL SECURITY
President Donald Trump speaks with French President Emmanuel Macron. (Yoan Valat/Pool/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Klingbeil expressed concern over the ongoing provocations from the U.S., stating, “We are constantly experiencing new antagonism, which President Trump is seeking. And here we Europeans must make it clear that the limit has been reached.”
In a joint statement, more than half a dozen European countries warned that tariff threats regarding Greenland could undermine transatlantic relations, as the White House pressures allies to agree to a deal for the acquisition of the Arctic island.
Trump threatened on his Truth Social platform to impose a 10% tariff on the eight European countries unless a deal is reached for what he termed the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
TRUMP SAYS GREENLAND’S DEFENSE IS ‘TWO DOG SLEDS’ AS HE PUSHES FOR US ACQUISITION OF TERRITORY
Residents in Greenland, the largest island in the world, have expressed concern about President Donald Trump’s renewed interest in seizing the territory. (Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance/Getty Images / Getty Images)
The countries involved include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Trump announced that the 10% tariff would take effect on February 2, with the possibility of increasing to 25% by June 1.
Macron, along with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned Trump’s social media post from Saturday.
US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISITS DENMARK AMID BACKLASH OVER TRUMP’S PUSH TO ACQUIRE GREENLAND
Soldiers pass the Arktisk Kommando, the Danish Armed Forces’ Arctic Command, in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 15, 2026. (Julia Wäschenbach/picture alliance via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Kristersson stated on X that allies would not be “blackmailed,” asserting, “Only Denmark and Greenland decide on issues concerning Denmark and Greenland.” He also mentioned that other European Union countries are discussing a coordinated response.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, expressed her concerns regarding Trump’s remarks, warning that Russia and China could exploit divisions within NATO. She stated, “If Greenland’s security is at risk, we can address this inside NATO. Tariffs risk making Europe and the United States poorer and undermine our shared prosperity.” Kallas emphasized the importance of not allowing disputes to distract from the core task of ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Fox News’ Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.
