Several European leaders have sharply criticised US President Donald Trump after he threatened to impose punitive tariffs on European countries resisting his push to take control of Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory.
While Spain itself is not immediately under threat from Trump’s new tariffs, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that a US invasion of Greenland ‘would make Putin the happiest man on earth’ in an interview with La Vanguardia newspaper published on Sunday.
He said any military action by the US against Denmark’s vast Arctic island would damage NATO and legitimise the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. ALSO READ: Spain joins European allies in rejecting Trump’s call for US control of Greenland.
‘If we focus on Greenland, I have to say that a US invasion of that territory would make Vladimir Putin the happiest man in the world. Why? Because it would legitimise his attempted invasion of Ukraine,’ Sánchez said.
‘If the United States were to use force, it would be the death knell for NATO. Putin would be doubly happy.’
Trump intensified his campaign to acquire Greenland on Saturday, warning that he would slap tariffs of up to 25% on multiple European nations until his objective of controlling the Arctic island is achieved.
The escalation came as thousands of demonstrators gathered in Greenland’s capital to protest the US president’s ambition to acquire the resource-rich territory, which occupies a strategic position in the Arctic. Parallel protests were also held in Copenhagen and other cities across Denmark.
Trump directed his criticism primarily at Denmark — a fellow NATO ally — along with several other European states that have recently deployed troops to Greenland, which has a population of around 57,000 and enjoys a high degree of autonomy.
If carried out, the threatened measures against Washington’s NATO partners would mark an unprecedented rupture within the alliance.
According to Trump, beginning 1 February, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland would face a 10% tariff on all exports to the United States. He announced the move on his Truth Social platform.
‘On 1 June 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland,’ he wrote.
‘These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable,’ Trump said.
‘Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question.’
He added that he was ‘immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries’.
Denmark described Trump’s announcement as a ‘surprise’, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the proposal ‘completely wrong’. French President Emmanuel Macron said: ‘Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.’
In a collective statement, European Union leaders said the bloc ‘stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland’.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: ‘The EU stands in full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland. Dialogue remains essential, and we are committed to building on the process begun already last week between the Kingdom of Denmark and the US. Tariffs would undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral. Europe will remain united, coordinated, and committed to upholding its sovereignty.’
In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, thousands of demonstrators — including Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen — gathered on Saturday despite light rain, waving Greenlandic flags, chanting slogans and singing traditional Inuit songs.
Many wore caps reading ‘Make America Go Away’, echoing Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ slogan.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is essential for US ‘national security’, while alleging — without evidence — that China and Russia are seeking to dominate the island.
Although both countries have expanded their Arctic security presence, neither has made territorial claims over Greenland.
France said the European military exercise currently taking place in Greenland was intended to demonstrate that Europe would defend the territory. Denmark confirmed that the United States had also been invited to participate. ALSO READ: NATO leaders agree to increase spending and reiterate ‘ironclad commitment’ to collective defence.
It remains unclear under what legal authority Trump would impose the proposed tariffs. ALSO READ: As Venezuelans rejoice in Madrid, Sánchez warns against US intervention that violates international law.
Since returning to office, the US president has rolled out broad tariffs affecting nearly all trading partners, framing them as a response to alleged unfair trade practices and as leverage in diplomatic negotiations.
Washington and the European Union reached an agreement last summer to reduce US tariffs on key European exports, a deal that is currently being implemented. ALSO READ: Spanish PM supports new EU-US trade deal, but ‘without any enthusiasm’.
Also on Saturday, a delegation of US lawmakers concluded a visit to Copenhagen, where they met with Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The group, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, told reporters that Trump’s position does not reflect the views of most Americans.
It is also overwhelmingly opposed within Greenland itself, where a poll published in January 2025 showed that 85% of residents reject joining the United States, with just 6% expressing support. ALSO READ: Trump tells Sánchez he’s doing a ‘fantastic job’ – days after suggesting Spain should be thrown out of NATO.
ALSO READ: Spanish government hits back after renewed tariff threats from Donald Trump over defence spending.
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Si Trump ocupa Groenlandia hará de Putin el hombre más feliz.
— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) January 18, 2026
Europa debe avanzar en su proceso de integración y dotarse de una defensa realmente común.
Mi entrevista en @LaVanguardia:https://t.co/orTOUOgX1D
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