Why did Trump seize Greenland? Bessant: Because Europe is

# Source: Wall Street Insights

By Long Yue

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent has publicly endorsed former President Trump’s decision to impose additional tariffs on eight European countries, claiming that Europe is overly "weak" and that the U.S. must take over Greenland to ensure Arctic security. According to CCTV News, the U.S. has levied extra tariffs on eight European nations over the Greenland issue, and multiple countries have responded by calling the move completely "unacceptable".

As reported by CCTV News, on January 17 local time, former U.S. President Trump stated that he will impose a 10% tariff on all goods exported to the U.S. from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, until an agreement is reached on the "complete and total purchase of Greenland".

This move was quickly backed publicly by U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent. In a media interview on January 18 local time, he claimed that the European continent is too "weak" to safeguard Greenland’s security, and thus the island must be placed under the U.S. "umbrella".

He pointed out that against the backdrop of intensifying global competition in the Arctic, the U.S. plans to build the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, and Greenland is an indispensable part of this strategy.

"Europe projects weakness, while the U.S. projects strength... The President believes that enhanced security cannot be achieved unless Greenland becomes part of the United States."

In response to the EU’s threat to suspend the tariff deal reached with Trump last year, Bessent appeared dismissive. He emphasized that the trade agreement has not yet been finalized and noted that Trump is using his "emergency powers" to achieve his goals. In his view, European leaders will eventually "come around" because they need to be under the U.S. security "umbrella".

## Multiple European Countries Respond: Unacceptable

According to CCTV News, the U.S. imposed additional tariffs on eight European countries over the Greenland issue. Subsequently, several countries issued statements in response.

Swedish Prime Minister Kristersson released a written statement the same day, stating, "We will not be blackmailed. Only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

UK Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement on the same day, calling the U.S. threat of additional tariffs on multiple European countries "completely wrong". Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen described the tariff policy as "surprising", while Defense Minister Poulsen emphasized that the U.S. threat is "totally unacceptable".

French President Macron said on social media the same day that the tariff threat issued by former U.S. President Trump after France expressed support for Greenland is "unacceptable". He stated, "If these threats are confirmed, European countries will respond in a united and coordinated manner. We will defend Europe’s sovereignty."

## Core Republican Senator: "Stop the Threats, Start Diplomacy"

While senior officials of the Trump administration are showing a tough stance externally, there are divisions within Washington. Lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have expressed concerns about this strategy.

Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a joint statement, urging the Trump administration to "stop the threats and start diplomacy".

Meanwhile, libertarian Republican Senator Rand Paul, who often clashes with Trump on policy, bluntly called the idea "absurd" in an NBC interview, stating that "there is no emergency in Greenland". He criticized, "You cannot make a peaceful purchase by berating the seller and telling them you will take the land by force."

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen accused Trump of engaging in "land grabbing" aimed at acquiring Greenland’s mineral resources during an ABC program.

However, beyond the heated rhetoric, White House Chief Economic Advisor Hassett sent a more moderate signal in a Fox News interview, suggesting that Trump is still prepared to reach some form of deal.

"Now is really a good time for calm heads to prevail," Hassett said, "We need to ignore the rhetoric, return to the negotiating table, and see if we can work out an agreement that is best for all parties."

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