US President Donald Trump has linked his renewed push to take control of Greenland with his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, escalating tensions with Europe and raising the prospect of a fresh transatlantic trade war.
In a private message sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump said that after being denied the Nobel Peace Prize, he no longer felt obliged to think “purely of peace.” He reiterated that the United States needed “complete and total control” of Greenland, calling it essential for national and global security.
Trump has intensified his rhetoric in recent weeks, saying the US would gain control of Greenland “one way or the other.” He has also threatened to impose tariffs starting at 10%, rising to 25%, on imports from several European countries unless opposition to his Greenland plan is withdrawn.
The remarks have unsettled European leaders, with concerns growing over both economic retaliation and security implications. Trump has refused to rule out the use of military force, despite the US already maintaining a military presence on the island through existing agreements with Denmark.
European officials have pushed back strongly, stressing that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people and in line with international law. Greenland’s leadership reiterated that the territory is a democratic society and will not be pressured.
The dispute has prompted emergency discussions among EU leaders, who are weighing possible countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs and other economic tools. While European governments say they want to avoid escalation, they have warned they are prepared to defend their interests if necessary.