17-01-2026

Trump's Greenland Acquisition Sparks Global Tensions

Date: 17-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 2 | foxnews.com: 2 | france24.com: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Source: straitstimes.com

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Summary

US President Donald Trump's proposal to acquire Greenland from Denmark has sparked controversy and opposition from Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies, with concerns over regional security and sovereignty. A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Greenland to ease tensions, while Trump's tariffs and trade wars continue to impact US businesses.

Key Points

  • Trump threatens tariffs on countries opposing Greenland acquisition
  • US lawmakers visit Greenland to reassure Denmark and ease tensions
  • NATO allies and Greenlandic leaders express concerns over acquisition

Articles in this Cluster

Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposed to Greenland takeover as US lawmakers visit Denmark to ease tensions

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries opposing his plan to annex Greenland, a self-governing territory controlled by Denmark. A bipartisan US congressional delegation visited Greenland to show support for the territory and ease tensions. Trump's plans are met with skepticism from lawmakers, Greenlanders, and European allies, who argue that the acquisition would be detrimental to NATO and regional security. Denmark has warned that military action would spell the end of NATO. Greenlandic leaders expressed hope that the visit from US lawmakers would help to lower tensions.
Entities: Donald Trump, Greenland, Denmark, Nato, USTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

US accuses South Africa military of 'cosying up to Iran'

The US has accused South Africa's defence ministry of 'cosying up to Iran' by refusing to send home Iranian warships participating in a naval exercise off the country's coast. The US embassy in South Africa expressed 'concern and alarm' over the defence minister and forces allegedly defying government orders to ask Iran to leave. South Africa's defence ministry has launched an inquiry into the 'serious allegations'. The naval exercise, dubbed 'Peace Resolve', is being led by China and involves other Brics+ nations, including Russia. The US has criticised South Africa for inviting Iran amid a brutal crackdown on protests in the Middle Eastern country.
Entities: US, South Africa, Iran, Brics+, ChinaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Russia notes Trump's dispute with NATO allies over Greenland as European troops head to Arctic for war games - CBS News

The article discusses the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, particularly surrounding Greenland, as European NATO members prepare for war games. Russia has expressed concerns over NATO's militarization of the North, citing it as 'counterproductive and extremely dangerous.' The US, under Trump's administration, has shown interest in acquiring Greenland, sparking disagreements with Denmark and Greenland's government. Despite the tensions, European leaders, including Denmark and France, are strengthening their military presence in Greenland, with Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland also participating in the upcoming military exercises. The article highlights the divisions between the US, Denmark, and Greenland over the island's future, as well as the concerns of Greenland's residents.
Entities: Russia, NATO, Greenland, Denmark, United StatesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

U.S. lawmakers seek to reassure Denmark amid Trump's push to acquire Greenland - CBS News

A bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation visited Denmark and Greenland to reassure them of America's commitment to respecting Greenland's territorial integrity amid President Trump's continued push to acquire the island. The delegation, led by Senators Chris Coons and Thom Tillis, met with Danish and Greenlandic officials and emphasized the importance of NATO and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. Trump's push to acquire Greenland has been met with resistance from Denmark and Greenland's leaders, as well as other NATO members, who are concerned about the potential implications for the alliance. The U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, Jeff Landry, expressed his belief that a deal can be achieved, but Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen rejected the idea of U.S. acquisition.
Entities: United States, Denmark, Greenland, NATO, President TrumpTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump Greenland acquisition effort sparks international media surge on island | Fox News

The article discusses President Donald Trump's effort to acquire Greenland, which has sparked a surge of international media attention on the island. Greenland's leaders have insisted that the island is not for sale, despite Trump's claims that controlling it is necessary for national security purposes. The media frenzy has overwhelmed the island's politicians and community leaders, with many residents expressing confusion and skepticism about Trump's motives. The article also notes that Americans appear ambivalent about the acquisition, with a majority opposing military action to take over Greenland.
Entities: Donald Trump, Greenland, Denmark, NATO, The Associated PressTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Trump's Iceland ambassador nominee apologizes for joking about island as 52nd state | Fox News

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the idea of the US buying Greenland from Denmark. The proposal has been met with opposition from various politicians and experts, who argue that it is not a viable or realistic solution. The article highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a more nuanced approach to international relations.
Entities: Greenland, Donald Trump, Denmark, US, EuropeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Does the US need to ‘own’ Greenland to build Trump's Golden Dome missile shield? - France 24

The US is considering acquiring Greenland, which has sparked controversy and debate. The move is seen as a strategic play to expand US influence in the region, but it has also raised concerns about the impact on the local population and the environment. The article discusses the potential implications of the US acquiring Greenland, including the economic and environmental costs. It also touches on the historical context of the region and the role of the US in the area.
Entities: Greenland, Denmark, US, NATOTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

The tariffs that stole Christmas: How Trump’s trade war is remaking America’s toy aisles | The Straits Times

The article discusses how Trump's trade war and tariffs imposed on Chinese imports have affected the toy industry in the United States, particularly small businesses. The tariffs have led to increased costs for toy retailers, forcing some to close their doors. The article highlights the story of Jennifer Bergman, owner of West Side Kids, a Manhattan toy store that was forced to shut down due to the tariffs. The article also notes that big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have been less affected by the tariffs due to their ability to stockpile inventory and spread costs across multiple product lines, resulting in a split Christmas economy.
Entities: Jennifer Bergman, West Side Kids, Manhattan, China, Trump administrationTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform