Starmer Challenges Trump’s Tariff Threats Over Greenland Standoff

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has directly confronted US President Donald Trump over plans to impose tariffs on NATO allies in connection with the Greenland dispute. During a weekend phone conversation, Starmer made clear his opposition to using economic coercion against military partners, marking a significant moment in transatlantic relations.
The diplomatic crisis erupted after Trump threatened to impose sanctions on eight European nations, including the United Kingdom, that deployed troops to Greenland following American pressure regarding the territory’s future. Starmer engaged in multiple calls on Sunday, speaking with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate a response.
According to Downing Street, Starmer emphasized during all conversations that security in the high north remains a priority for NATO allies to protect Euro-Atlantic interests. He firmly stated that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing collective NATO security objectives is fundamentally wrong, setting up a potential confrontation with Washington.
The affected European nations issued a joint statement declaring that Trump’s threats “undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral.” Trump has proposed implementing 10% tariffs starting February 1st on the UK, France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland, with increases to 25% by June 1st if a deal to purchase Greenland isn’t reached.
On Monday, Starmer planned to deliver an emergency statement from Downing Street, canceling a previously scheduled event on cost of living issues. While he will align Britain with European opposition to Trump’s plan, he’s not expected to propose retaliatory tariffs. Instead, officials hope Starmer’s surprisingly positive relationship with Trump might facilitate a White House reversal on the controversial policy.