Treasury Secretary Bessent Defends Tariffs on Countries Opposing Trump’s Greenland Bid
TL/DR –
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has defended proposed tariffs targeting eight European countries that are opposed to President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, arguing that the goal is to prevent a future national emergency. Trump has threatened to hit imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland with a 10% tariff, which would increase to 25% on June 1 if no deal is reached to purchase Greenland. In response to the tariff threat, European Union ambassadors are set to hold an emergency meeting, and European Council President António Costa has emphasized his commitment to solidarity with Denmark and Greenland and his readiness to defend against any form of coercion.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent justified proposed tariffs targeting European countries resisting Trump’s aim to buy Greenland, suggesting the move is a preventative measure against future national crises.
Trump has used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) during his second term to impose tariffs on global countries, which allows presidential regulation of imports during emergencies.
When questioned about the tariffs, Bessent stated the goal was to prevent national emergencies by utilizing the economic strength of the US.
Trump announced a 10% tariff on imports from eight European countries which could surge to 25% on June 1 if a Greenland purchase isn’t arranged.
This was announced while the Supreme Court was set to rule on Trump’s use of IEEPA for imposing tariffs.
Following the tariff threat, a spokesperson for the E.U. Council president told NBC News that E.U. ambassadors will hold an emergency meeting.
European Council President António Costa has also declared an extraordinary meeting of the European Council.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has communicated with Trump and various European leaders, restating his stance on Greenland and stressing NATO’s security focus in the region.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X about her discussions with Starmer and other European leaders.
Despite the controversy, Trump insists that the US will acquire Greenland. When quizzed about potential military action, Bessent declined to comment.
Bessent also addressed potential comparisons between a US annexation of Greenland and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
The Trump administration had previously negotiated a trade agreement with the EU that reduced tariffs on imports.
Trump’s Greenland rhetoric has been met with resistance from lawmakers, including some Republicans.
In an interview on “Meet the Press,” Sen. Rand Paul criticized the use of emergency powers to prevent emergencies, calling it “ridiculous.”
A US delegation of lawmakers recently visited Denmark for meetings, while Trump maintained that US control of Greenland is crucial for national security.
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