European Allies React to Trump's Greenland Threats

Across Europe, leaders were scrambling to respond to President Trump’s extraordinary attempt to pressure allies into agreeing to the sale of Greenland through the threat of steep trade tariffs — or potential military action. Several nations’ governments hinted at the prospect of retaliatory tariffs on the United States, while at the same time voicing hope that the dispute could be resolved without further escalation. In a flurry of public addresses and statements on Monday, multiple European countries maintained that the future of Greenland must be decided by Greenlanders and the people of Denmark. Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain said that the United States remained a close ally of Britain but would “stand up for our values.” Mr. Starmer said a tariff war between the U.S. and European nations over Greenland was “not in anybody’s interests” and would affect businesses, workers and families on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, adding: “We have not got to that stage, and my focus is making sure we don’t get to that stage.” But other nations were openly considering retaliation against Mr. Trump’s threatened financial penalties. In Germany, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he wanted to “avoid any escalation” if possible but added: “We could also retaliate.” Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.