Donald Trump has ignited international controversy after threatening new economic measures against several European nations, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, over his continued push for U.S. ownership of Greenland. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed Greenland is vital for “national and global security” and accused multiple European countries of traveling to the island for “purposes unknown.” He announced that beginning February 2026, these nations would face a 10% tariff on all goods sent to the United States, rising to 25% by June — just before the U.S. hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Trump stated the tariffs would remain until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland,” a proposal strongly rejected by Denmark and Greenland’s leaders. He also suggested military force had not been ruled out, intensifying diplomatic tensions across NATO allies.

The threats have already triggered political backlash. German politician Jürgen Hardt, a senior member of the Christian Democratic Union, warned that Germany could consider boycotting the 2026 World Cup if Trump continues pressuring European nations over Greenland. Calling a boycott a “last resort,” Hardt said the move could be used to push Trump toward cooperation on security discussions within NATO. The suggestion marks the first time a high-ranking European official has publicly floated withdrawal from the tournament as a political response. With World Cup preparations underway and global attention growing, Trump’s Greenland ambitions have now spilled beyond diplomacy — into the world of international sport — raising fears that political conflict could overshadow one of the planet’s biggest global events.