Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:30pm on 16 Jan 2026,Friday International
US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs against countries refusing to support US control of Greenland, stating "we need Greenland for national security." Following punitive measures on Russian oil buyers and Iran trade partners, Trump's latest economic weapon targets Greenland opposition. Recent Washington talks between US, Denmark, and Greenland officials revealed "fundamental disagreement," though they established a high-level working group. Denmark responded by increasing Greenland's military presence, with France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and Britain sending symbolic troop deployments. Trump argues US control prevents Russian or Chinese footholds on the mineral-rich island claims Denmark and Greenland reject. Analysts warn the combination of tariff threats and military posturing risks straining transatlantic relations and NATO unity.
