Greenland PM issues defiant rebuke over Trump's tariff threats: 'We will not be pressured'

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CNBC Finance

Jan 19, 2026

2 min read

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Key Points
  • Greenland's prime minister has said that the Arctic island would “stand firm on dialogue, on respect and on international law” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.
  • His comments come shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to impose 10% tariffs on eight European countries from Feb. 1 until the U.S. was allowed to buy Greenland.
  • The levy will rise to 25% from June 1 if a deal is not done, Trump said.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen addresses people protesting against U.S. President Donald Trump and his announced intent to acquire Greenland on January 17, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland.
Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Monday that the Arctic island would not be pressured over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats.

His comments come shortly after Nielsen joined protesters in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, over the weekend, where people marched to demonstrate against Trump's push to take control of the self-governing Danish territory.

On Saturday, the U.S. president threatened to impose a rising wave of tariffs against eight European countries for their opposition to his campaign.

European political leaders called the proposed tariffs "unacceptable" and vowed to stand behind Denmark, which is responsible for the island's foreign, defense, and security policies.

In a social media post, Greenland's Nielsen said the recent demonstrations in Greenland and in Denmark had shown "a strong and dignified unity."

He also welcomed support from other European leaders, saying it shows a "clear recognition" that Greenland had the right to make its own decisions.

"The latest statements from the US, including threats of tariffs, do not change that line. We will not be pressured. We stand firm on dialogue, on respect and on international law," Nielsen said in a Facebook post, according to a Google translation.

Published

January 19, 2026

Monday at 12:07 PM

Reading Time

2 minutes

~299 words

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