US President Donald Trump has issued a new tariff warning! According to foreign media reports, at noon Beijing time on January 20, Trump's latest remarks surfaced again. He stated he would impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne, while Macron would join a peace committee. "We must have Greenland. We have arranged many meetings in Davos. Not concerned about the Nobel Peace Prize. I am concerned with saving lives. Have already invited Putin to join the peace council." Prior to these remarks, Trump vowed to follow through 100% on tariff threats against European countries as a countermeasure for their opposition to the US taking over Greenland. Possibly affected by this, the market showed significant movement, with spot gold breaking through the $4700 per ounce mark, hitting another record high. Shanghai Gold ETFs saw a sharp, vertical rise in the afternoon.
Trump also just posted on his social media platform: "I had a very pleasant telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte regarding Greenland. I agreed that all parties should meet in Davos, Switzerland. As I have made very clear to everyone, Greenland is critical for national and global security. This is non-negotiable—everyone agrees! The US is by far the greatest country in the world. A big reason for that is the rebuilding of our military during my first term, a process that continues at an even faster pace. We are the only force capable of ensuring global peace—and to do that is very simple, just through strength!"
Trump's "Obsession" At noon Beijing time on January 20, reports indicated Trump renewed his tariff threat: to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne. French media had previously cited sources close to aides stating that French President Emmanuel Macron urged other leaders to activate the EU's powerful "cannon-class" anti-coercion instrument if Trump persists with his tariff threats. The EU's anti-coercion tool has never been used to date; once activated, it would allow the EU to impose broad and severe punitive measures against countries attempting to force policy changes through economic pressure.
Previously, Trump stated he would impose tariffs on Europe and seize Greenland. According to BBC reports, European allies have expressed support for Greenland's sovereignty. The Danish Foreign Minister emphasized that Trump cannot acquire this highly autonomous territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, through tariffs or political threats. British MP Yvette Cooper also reiterated the UK's position, stating that Greenland's future should be decided by the people of Greenland and Denmark themselves, and that the US has no right to intervene.
In an interview with NBC on Monday (January 19), Trump refused to rule out the possibility of using military force to seize Greenland, only responding with "no comment." However, he clearly stated that the US would push forward with tariff measures against the UK and seven other NATO allies to force concessions. According to Trump, the US will impose a 10% tariff on any and all goods exported from the UK to the US starting February 1, increasing to 25% from June 1, until the US government reaches an agreement with Denmark on purchasing Greenland. The same tariff threat would apply to NATO member countries Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland. When asked if he would actually carry out the tariff threat, Trump responded bluntly: "I absolutely will, 100%."
Trump also criticized Europe for focusing on the Russia-Ukraine war instead of the Greenland issue. He said: "Look at the results this war has brought to Europe; that's what Europe should care about, not Greenland." Trump's announcement of tariffs against these eight NATO allies further escalates tensions within the US-Europe relationship and NATO. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that Europe must make Trump understand that tariff threats are not a solution, emphasizing: "There are some red lines that cannot be crossed. You cannot occupy Greenland through threats."
Multiple Plans in Parallel? Other media reports indicate that Trump has instructed his team to draft multiple "Greenland plans,"准备 to present to European allies at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, with options ranging from a "99-year long-term lease" to a "US citizenship benefits package." According to the Kyiv Post, sources familiar with the matter revealed that the White House is preparing for sideline talks in Davos and will present European allies with various arrangements for Greenland's future. A Western official bluntly stated that Davos will be a moment of truth—either the situation de-escalates with a face-saving compromise, or we head directly towards a transatlantic trade and security crisis.
Although Trump has publicly ruled out the possibility of leasing Greenland, his private stance is reportedly more flexible than what is shown publicly. Sources indicated that as a stopgap measure, he might accept a long-term lease close to 99 years, which would on one hand ease the strong backlash from Europe, and on the other hand still allow the US to essentially control resource-rich Greenland. Another option under evaluation is granting Greenland residents rights similar to those of Puerto Rico. Under this framework, Greenlanders would become US citizens, enjoying full bilateral travel and trade benefits; unless they move to the US mainland, they would be exempt from US income tax. Such an arrangement could be packaged as a "prosperity plan" to attract the island's approximately 56,000 residents.
Trump also posted on Truth Social, stating that the US has not imposed tariffs or demanded any form of return from Denmark, EU countries, and other nations for many years, equivalent to a long-term "subsidy" for these countries. Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to repay, and world peace is at stake!
