Trump reiterated: "We must get Greenland," expressing doubt that the EU would "fight to the end" for Denmark, and said he would meet with "all parties" in Davos.
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According to media reports on Tuesday, U.S. President Trump reiterated on Monday night that the United States must obtain control of Greenland, and he does not believe the EU will excessively resist on this issue. This statement continues his previous territorial claims over Greenland, a Danish territory, further intensifying transatlantic tensions.
Trump claimed he would hold meetings on the Greenland issue with “all parties” during the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said Greenland is crucial to national and world security, and that “there is no turning back.” Trump also revealed that he had a “very pleasant phone conversation” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and arranged multiple meetings in Davos.
According to CCTV News, Trump previously threatened to impose tariffs on multiple European NATO allies, including Denmark, to force them to give up control of Greenland. This escalation provoked strong opposition from EU leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for the activation of the EU’s most powerful retaliatory tools.
CCTV News reports that Trump has announced that, starting February 1, all goods exported to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland will face an additional 10% tariff until a deal is reached on the “complete and thorough purchase of Greenland.” The EU is considering imposing retaliatory tariffs on US goods worth 93 billion euros.
Trump adopts hardline stance, says EU will not excessively resist
Speaking to reporters in Florida, Trump declared: “We must have Greenland. They have to make this happen. They can't protect us.” When asked about European leaders' opposition to his plan, Trump replied: "I don’t think they’ll excessively resist."
Trump emphasized that NATO has been warning Denmark about the Russian threat for 20 years. He asserted that Greenland is crucial to national and world security, stating that “there is no turning back.”
Regarding his upcoming trip to Davos, Trump said it would "be very interesting" and mentioned that multiple meetings had been arranged to discuss the Greenland issue. He also revealed he has invited Russian President Putin to join the Peace Council. Trump described the US economy as the “hottest” in the world and said this would be his main message at Davos.
EU plans countermeasures
According to CCTV News, many EU countries are considering imposing tariffs on US goods worth 93 billion euros or restricting US companies from entering the EU market. An EU diplomat revealed that if no deal is reached with the US, retaliatory tariffs will automatically take effect from February 6.
Trump previously announced that, starting February 1, all goods exported to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland would face an additional 10% tariff until a deal is reached for the "complete and thorough purchase of Greenland." This move essentially turns tariffs into “ransom for the island.”
Trump also expressed dissatisfaction with French President Macron’s refusal to join his proposed Peace Council and hinted at possibly imposing a 200% tariff on champagne and wine.
Subsequently, Trump posted a screenshot of a text message from French President Macron on social media:
We are fully aligned on the Syria issue. On Iran, we can do great things. I don’t understand what exactly you are doing regarding Greenland. Let’s work together to create great things.
Market concerns over risk of “weaponizing capital”
According to a previous article by WallStreetCN, as Trump threatens a tariff war, how Europe might use its over $10 trillion in US assets has become a risk of concern for the market. According to US Treasury data, the total amount of US assets held by the EU exceeds $10 trillion, with the UK and Norway holding even more of such assets.
Deutsche Bank warns that the situation could escalate to “weaponizing capital.” The vast majority of US assets held by Europe are owned by private funds beyond government control. If Europe weaponizes these assets, it would signify a serious escalation of the situation, effectively expanding the trade war into a direct financial conflict impacting capital markets.
In his speech, Trump also touched on the Federal Reserve chair nomination, stating that he knows who he wants. He said he does not care about the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming “what I care about is saving lives,” and thanked Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for giving him her medal.
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