Global tensions rise as Trump pushes to acquire Greenland

Protests erupted in Greenland this morning as the world responded to President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign to take control of the Danish territory.

(NBC)- Protests erupted in Greenland this morning as the world responded to President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign to take control of the Danish territory.

“He thinks that he can scare people. He can’t scare Greenlanders,” said Jens Kjeldsen, a Greenland resident.

European allies are also pushing back after President Trump announced a new 10 percent tariff on goods from Denmark and seven other countries. Those tariffs are set to rise to 25 percent by June unless Denmark agrees to sell Greenland to the United States.

European ambassadors held an emergency meeting in Brussels, warning the tariff threats could spark a dangerous downward spiral in international relations. Denmark’s prime minister echoed that message, saying, “Europe will not be blackmailed.”

President Trump insists U.S. control of Greenland is necessary for national security, particularly in relation to his proposed missile defense system known as the “Golden Dome.”

“If we don’t have it, we have a big hole in national security, especially when it comes to what we’re doing in terms of the Golden Dome,” Trump said.

Critics note the United States already operates a military base in Greenland. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland said Denmark and Greenland have offered cooperation without surrendering the territory.

“Denmark and Greenland have both said to the United States, you can take what measures you need to protect the security of the United States, and of course, the NATO alliance,” Van Hollen said.

Some critics argue the push for Greenland is driven by interest in the region’s critical minerals. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent rejected that claim, saying the administration is focused on long-term Arctic security.

“He is looking beyond this year. He’s looking beyond next year to what could happen for a battle in the Arctic. We are not going to outsource our national security,” Bessent said.

The high-stakes standoff is sending tensions rising between the United States and its European allies.