A transatlantic showdown is unfolding as President Donald Trump ignites a political and economic firestorm by imposing sweeping tariffs on European allies opposing a U.S. bid for Greenland. The move has triggered sharp backlash across Europe and within the United States, with critics warning it risks destabilizing NATO unity and global trade.
Trump announced new 10 percent tariffs on eight European nations beginning February 1, framing them as leverage over Greenland. European leaders pushed back swiftly, with France’s Emmanuel Macron calling the move unacceptable and vowing a coordinated response if Washington escalates further.
00:00And I may do that for Greenland too, I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland
00:28because we need Greenland for national security, so I may do that, I'll give you a little.
00:32A transatlantic showdown has erupted.
00:35President Donald Trump has triggered a political and economic firestorm.
00:40After announcing sweeping tariffs on European allies, he accuses of blocking a U.S. deal for Greenland.
00:48The move has sparked fierce backlash, not just across Europe, but inside the United States,
00:55with allies and lawmakers warning Trump is pushing NATO and global trade toward crisis.
01:02On Saturday, Trump declared that eight European countries – Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany,
01:10the Netherlands, Finland and Great Britain – will face new 10 percent tariffs starting February 1st.
01:17The president framed the move as pressure over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory he wants the U.S. to acquire.
01:25European leaders wasted no time responding.
01:29French President Emmanuel Macron called the tariff threat unacceptable, warning Europe would respond in a united and coordinated way if Trump follows through.
01:40European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed that message, pledging full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
01:48She stressed that dialogue, not economic coercion, is the only acceptable path forward.
01:54Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson issued one of the strongest rebukes yet,
02:00mourning Washington against blackmailing its allies.
02:03He said only Denmark and Greenland have the right to decide the island's future,
02:08and confirmed talks are underway for a coordinated European response.
02:13Denmark's foreign minister said he was surprised by Trump's move, noting recent European deployments
02:20to Greenland were meant to enhance Arctic security, not provoke conflict.
02:25UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed Europe, saying Arctic security is a NATO-wide concern,
02:32and the issue would be raised directly with Washington.
02:36Trump's announcement also drew sharp criticism at home.
02:41Senator Bernie Sanders accused the president of trying to destroy U.S. alliances over an island America already has access to, calling the move insane.
02:52Other lawmakers warned tariffs and threats are isolating the U.S.
02:57Democratic Senator Mark Kelly said European troops arriving in Greenland to deter U.S. pressure should be a wake-up call.
03:05He warned Trump's actions are damaging America's reputation and making the country less safe by alienating its closest allies.
03:14What began as an aggressive push for Greenland has now evolved into a test of America's global leadership.
03:22With allies united against him and critics growing louder at home,
03:27Trump's tariff gambit risks reshaping alliances, trade and trust, with consequences far beyond the Arctic.
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