The Story Tariffs, Trump and Greenland: 'The end of the world as we know it'?
Jan 20, 2026
Oliver Moody, Berlin correspondent for The Times, dives into the geopolitical storm surrounding Trump's tariff threats over Greenland. He reveals how Europe's leaders are reacting—some seeing it as blackmail, while others debate countermeasures. Moody discusses Keir Starmer's pragmatic stance and the EU's potential responses, including an intriguing 'anti-coercion' tool. He also highlights the challenges of achieving consensus among EU states and how NATO's future could be impacted by this controversy.
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Trump's Greenland Demand Shifts The Tone
- Donald Trump publicly suggested the US should have "complete and total control of Greenland," framing it as a strategic security need.
- Oliver Moody highlights this rhetoric as a shocking escalation that reframes normal diplomatic relations.
Tariff Threat Converts Diplomacy Into Coercion
- Trump threatened 10% tariffs on eight countries involved in Greenland and 25% from July unless Greenland was sold.
- Oliver Moody says this turned diplomatic confusion into a tariff-based escalation very quickly.
European Leaders See Blackmail, Rallying Backlash
- European leaders reacted strongly, with language like "blackmail" and coordinated statements warning of a dangerous downward spiral.
- Moody notes even some leaders normally sympathetic to Trump opposed this move.