Yeliz Akmaca 
U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing to launch a new customs tax process targeting eight European countries starting February 2026. The plan begins with a 10% levy and escalates to as much as 25% by June. This move, however, goes far beyond a conventional trade dispute. In Washington’s view, the decision ties directly to the long-standing Greenland file.
According to the Trump administration, the tax measures aim to pressure Denmark into opening negotiations over the full transfer of Greenland to the United States. Copenhagen is not alone in the spotlight. Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland are also included in the expanding list.
Not a Trade Decision, but a Geopolitical Signal
Trump framed the decision on social media as the end of what he called a “one-sided support era.” He argued that the United States has indirectly subsidized European economies for decades without adequate return. That balance, he said, no longer holds. The timing stands out. As global defense architecture shifts, Washington increasingly uses economic tools as leverage rather than diplomacy alone.
In this context, Greenland represents far more than territory. Trump repeatedly pointed to China and Russia, warning that Arctic competition is accelerating. From Washington’s perspective, Greenland sits at the center of that race, while Denmark lacks the military capacity to secure the island against growing external interest.
Defense Architecture Moves to the Foreground
One issue dominates Trump’s calculus: defense. The so-called “Golden Dome” project has emerged as a central justification. This next-generation defense network, backed by complex offensive and defensive weapons systems, places Greenland at a critical geographic position. For the White House, the logic is straightforward. Billions of dollars are already committed, and maximum efficiency depends on Greenland’s location.
Officials indicate that the system is designed to cover not only the United States but also Canada. Yet Trump argues that without Greenland, the architecture remains incomplete. Angles, ranges, and boundary constraints make the island a natural extension of the network rather than an optional addition.
A 150-Year Question Returns
The Greenland question is not new. The United States has raised the idea of acquisition for more than 150 years, only to face consistent rejection from Denmark. What has changed, according to Trump, is the global environment. He describes today’s geopolitical landscape as fundamentally different from previous eras.
European diplomatic and military visits to Greenland have also raised alarms in Washington. Trump characterizes these moves as unclear in intent and destabilizing in effect, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.
Negotiation Offered, Pressure Applied
The administration insists that taxes are not the final objective. Washington says it remains open to immediate negotiations with Denmark and the other affected countries. At the same time, the message is unmistakable. Each day without talks brings higher economic pressure.
This approach underscores how closely U.S. trade policy now aligns with national security strategy. Even if the Greenland issue eventually finds resolution, the tension opening between the United States and Europe may prove far more durable—and far less predictable.
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