ABC News Daily Can Europe stop Trump from taking Greenland?
Jan 19, 2026
In this discussion, Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Affairs Editor, offers her insights on Trump’s fixation with Greenland and the implications for Europe and NATO. She highlights Danish and Greenlandic protests against his policies and the threat of US tariffs on European nations. Laura discusses the strategic significance of Greenland's resources, the erosion of NATO's integrity, and Europe's potential countermeasures. She emphasizes the urgent need for a united European response to counter Trump's coercive tactics.
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Europe Sees Greenland As Principle Issue
- Donald Trump's Greenland push has pushed Europeans to see it as a coercive breach of international norms.
- Europe now frames the issue as self-determination and a test of US behaviour rather than a quirky US demand.
Tariff Fight Escalates Quickly
- The White House announced 10% tariffs on eight European nations over their pushback on Greenland.
- Europe has responded by threatening €93 billion in counter-tariffs and other trade reprisals.
Treaties Already Give US Influence
- The US claim that Greenland must be under US control contradicts existing defence arrangements.
- Laura Tingle notes treaties already allow heavy US military presence without formal takeover.