European leaders reject Trump’s 10% tariff threats

European leaders have strongly rejected Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats, denouncing them as intimidation and pledging a united response to protect EU sovereignty.

President Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff—rising to 25% by June—on goods from several European nations, including Denmark, France, Germany, and the UK.

He tied the tariffs to his controversial bid to acquire Greenland, warning that they would remain in place until a deal was reached.

The move shocked European capitals, with leaders calling it an unprecedented attempt to use trade pressure for territorial gain.

Denmark, at the centre of the dispute, swiftly rejected the proposal. Its foreign minister described Trump’s tariff threat as “a surprise” and emphasised that Greenland’s security and sovereignty were non-negotiable.

France, Sweden, and the UK echoed Denmark’s stance, condemning the tariffs as coercive and pledging to coordinate with the European Commission for a collective response.

EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, warned that such measures risked undermining transatlantic relations and sparking a dangerous downward spiral.

Beyond political statements, the tariffs have immediate economic implications.

European officials said the EU-US trade deal currently under negotiation would be put on hold until the threats were withdrawn.

Protests erupted in Greenland itself, with citizens marching under banners declaring “Greenland is not for sale.”

This public backlash underscored the broader rejection of Trump’s approach, which many Europeans view as a violation of international norms.

In the wider context, the episode highlights growing tensions between Washington and Brussels. While the EU has historically sought to maintain strong ties with the US, leaders now stress that Europe must remain united in defending its sovereignty.

The rejection of Trump’s tariff threats signals a determination to resist external pressure, even at the cost of trade relations.

For many observers, this confrontation marks a turning point in transatlantic diplomacy, with Europe asserting its independence more forcefully than in previous disputes.