politics
January 18, 2026
Swedish PM rejects US ‘blackmail’
US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on eight European NATO members, including Sweden, for opposing his plan to acquire Greenland
TL;DR
- Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson denounced US tariff threats as "blackmail" against Sweden and its allies.
- The tariffs target eight European NATO nations for opposing US President Donald Trump's plans to acquire Greenland.
- Trump plans a 10% levy on US imports from affected countries starting February 1, rising to 25% in June, until Greenland is purchased.
- Kristersson stated that only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning the territory and affirmed solidarity with allies.
- NATO countries targeted by tariffs recently sent small military contingents to Greenland, affirming its sovereignty.
- Danish and Greenlandic authorities maintain the territory is not for sale, citing a 2008 vote confirming autonomy under Denmark.
- European leaders, including Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, criticized the threats and promised a coordinated response.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the tariffs "completely wrong" and pledged direct talks with the US.
- Trump views acquiring Greenland as crucial for US national security against Chinese and Russian influence in the Arctic.
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