European allies of the United States are debating responses to escalating threats from former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to acquire Greenland and impose tariffs on nations supporting the territory.
Trump Escalates Greenland Acquisition Threats
The White House has cautioned Europe against retaliating to Trump’s proposed “Greenland tariffs” as the European Union considers utilizing its trade restrictions against the US. Troops from multiple European nations have been deployed to Greenland as a demonstration of support, coinciding with discussions among European leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Trump is scheduled to address the forum on Wednesday, local time. Before departing Washington, he stated his confidence in reaching an agreement on Greenland that would be acceptable to NATO.
“And I think things are going to work out pretty well actually.”
When questioned about the extent to which he would pursue the acquisition of Greenland, Trump responded, “You’ll find out.”
His statements were preceded by a series of social media posts, including an AI-generated image depicting a US takeover of Greenland, screenshots of private messages from European leaders, and a demand that “Denmark and its European Allies HAVE TO DO THE RIGHT THING.”
Over the weekend, Trump pledged to impose tariffs on eight European nations that had sent troops to Greenland in a show of solidarity with the Danish territory.
The European Parliament is poised to suspend work on a trade deal previously agreed upon between the US and Europe last year. EU representatives indicated the suspension would be formalized on Wednesday.
European Union leaders have scheduled an emergency summit in Brussels for Thursday.
European Leaders Respond
French President Emmanuel Macron described Trump’s tariff threat as “fundamentally unacceptable.” He stated the EU must consider activating its anti-coercion mechanism, referred to as the “trade bazooka,” which would restrict US access to European markets.
“Can you imagine that? This is crazy.”
Emmanuel Macron said it was crazy that the EU had to consider using its “trade bazooka” option on the US. (Reuters: Denis Balibouse)
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the EU is “at a crossroads,” and in a “very bad position” after attempting to appease Trump to secure support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
“So we should unite and we should say to Donald Trump … ‘You’re crossing red lines here’.”
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch stated that attempts to appease Trump through flattery would be ineffective.
“Stroking the cat along the line of its fur is not going to do the trick this time,” she told Reuters. “The EU needs to toughen up and hold the line.”
Several Trump administration officials arrived in Davos prior to the former president and urged European leaders to avoid retaliating against the threatened tariffs. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised leaders to “sit back, take a deep breath, do not retaliate.” US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested Europe should “keep the pressure and temperature low.” US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated it “would not be wise” for the EU to employ its “trade bazooka,” adding, “What I’ve found is that when countries follow my advice, they tend to do OK. When they don’t, crazy things happen.”
ABC/wires
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