President Says Tariffs Will Begin At 10 Percent, Rise To 25 Percent By June 1, 2026

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 6:50 P.M. ET. 5 Minute Read, By Haylee Ficuciello, Economy & Finance Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will impose escalating tariffs on Denmark and other European Union nations, tying the economic penalties directly to what he described as enforcement of a pending Greenland purchase agreement.

     In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump said tariffs would begin at 10 percent and rise incrementally to 25 percent, with the full rate taking effect on June 1, 2026, unless compliance benchmarks tied to the Greenland negotiations are met.

We have subsidized Denmark, and all of the Countries of the European Union, and others, for many years by not charging them Tariffs or any other forms of remuneration. Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake! China and Russia want Greenland, and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it. They currently have two dog sleds as protection, one added recently. Only the United States of America, under PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, can play in this game, and very successfully, at that! Nobody will touch this sacred piece of Land, especially since the National Security of the United States and the World at large is at stake. On top of everything else, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland have journeyed to Greenland for purposes unknown. This is a very dangerous situation for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Planet. These Countries, who are playing this very dangerous game, have put a level of risk in play that is not tenable or sustainable. Therefore, it is imperative that, in order to protect Global Peace and Security, strong measures be taken so that this potentially perilous situation ends quickly and without question. Starting on February 1st, 2026, all of the above mentioned Countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, The Netherlands, and Finland), will be charged a 10% Tariff on any and all goods sent to the United States of America. On June 1st, 2026, the Tariff will be increased to 25%. This Tariff will be due and payable until such time as a Deal is reached for the Complete and Total purchase of Greenland. The United States has been trying to do this transaction for over 150 years. Many Presidents have tried, and for good reason, but Denmark has always refused. Now, because of The Golden Dome, and Modern Day Weapons Systems, both Offensive and Defensive, the need to ACQUIRE is especially important. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars are currently being spent on Security Programs having to do with “The Dome,” including for the possible protection of Canada, and this very brilliant, but highly complex system can only work at its maximum potential and efficiency, because of angles, metes, and bounds, if this Land is included in it. The United States of America is immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them, including maximum protection, over so many decades. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

DONALD J. TRUMP

PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Tariffs Target Denmark, Broader EU Trade;

     According to the president’s statement, the initial tariffs will apply specifically to Denmark, followed by broader measures affecting additional members of the European Union should negotiations stall.

     While the administration has not yet released a detailed tariff schedule, White House officials indicated the measures would likely target industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy components, automotive parts, and agricultural exports.

     The tariff authority is expected to be exercised under existing trade and national security statutes, similar to those used during previous trade actions involving China, Mexico, and the European Union during President Trump’s first term. 

Greenland Framed As Strategic Asset;

     President Trump reiterated his long-standing position that Greenland is vital to U.S. security interests, citing its Arctic location, rare earth-mineral potential, and proximity to emerging polar shipping routes.

     Administration officials have described the proposed deal as a “mutually beneficial strategic transfer,” though no formal treaty text or congressional submission has yet been made public. Danish officials have historically rejected the notion of selling Greenland, which remains an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Market And Economic Implications;

     Economists note that escalating tariffs on European trade partners could introduce near-term volatility into global markets, particularly in sectors reliant on transatlantic supply chains. However, supporters of the administration’s approach argue that tariff pressure has historically been effective in forcing renegotiation of unfavorable trade positions.

     “Trump is signaling that this is not symbolic,” said one U.S. trade analyst familiar with prior negotiations. “By setting a firm June 1 deadline, the administration is creating leverage, not uncertainty.”

     As of Saturday evening, neither Denmark nor the European Commission had issued a formal response to the announcement.

What Comes Next;

     The U.S. Trade Representative’s Office is expected to publish additional guidance in the coming weeks outlining the tariff implementation process, exemptions, and compliance triggers. Congressional leaders have also indicated that hearings may be scheduled should the administration formally move forward with the tariff escalation.

     For now, the announcement stands as a clear signal that the White House intends to link trade policy directly to geopolitical outcomes, a hallmark of President Trump’s economic strategy.

Editor’s Note:

This report was written by Haylee Ficuciello, Economy & Finance Editor, and is based on President Trump’s public statement issued on Truth Social on Saturday, January 17, 2026. As of publication, no formal tariff schedule or international agreement text has been released. Englebrook Independent News will continue to update this story as official documentation and responses from European governments become available.