Donald Trump unleashes brutal new tariffs on Britain over failure to back Greenland takeover

He said 10 per cent tariffs would come into effect on February 1 on Denmark, Norway, Sweden France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland.

The post read: "Starting on February 1, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10 per cent tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America.

"On June 1, 2026, the tariff will be increased to 25 per cent.

"This tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland."

The president has repeatedly said Greenland is vital to US security due to its strategic location and large mineral deposits and has not ruled out using force to take it.

Greenland and Denmark have said the island is not for sale.

European nations, including the UK, this week sent military personnel to the island at Denmark's request.

President Trump said Britain was playing a "very dangerous game".

"Nobody will touch this sacred piece of land, especially since the national security of the United States, and the world at large, is at stake," the Truth Social post added.

"On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland, for purposes unknown.

"This is a very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet.

"These countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable.

"Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect global peace and security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation end quickly, and without question."

Downing Street confirmed on Thursday that one UK military officer had been sent to Denmark at the country's request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise, but denied it amounted to a “deployment”.

“We share President Trump’s concern about the security of the High North. And you see this as part of Nato and JEF (Joint Expeditionary Force) nations stepping up to reinforce security in the High North,” a spokesman said.

“Stepping up with stronger exercising, to deter the Russian aggression and the Chinese activity.”

Sir Keir Starmer has previously said Greenland’s future must be a matter for the people of the territory and Denmark alone.

The Prime Minister set out his position on Greenland to Mr Trump in a phone call earlier this month, which was said to have been a friendly and positive conversation.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said President Trump is "completely wrong" to introduce new tariffs on Britain over the terriority.

She wrote in a post to X: "A terrible idea. President Trump is completely wrong to announce tariffs on the UK over Greenland.

"People in both UK and US will face higher costs. These tariffs will be yet another burden for businesses across our country.

"The sovereignty of Greenland should only be decided by the people of Greenland. On this, I agree with Keir Starmer."

Protests were held in Denmark and Greenland today against Mr Trump's plans.

In Copenhagen, demonstrators chanted "Greenland is not for sale" and held up slogans such as "No means No" and "Hands off Greenland" alongside the territory's red-and-white flag as they marched to the US embassy.

Some wore red baseball caps resembling the "Make America Great Again" caps of Mr Trump supporters, but with the slogan "Make America Go Away".

In Greenland's capital Nuuk, thousands led by Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen carried flags and similar banners as they headed for the US consulate chanting "Kalaallit Nunaat" - the island's name in Greenlandic.

Organisers estimated over 20,000 people attended the protest in Copenhagen - akin to the entire population of Nuuk.

Greenland has carved out significant autonomy since 1979 but remains part of Denmark, which controls defence and foreign policy, and funds much of the administration.