US Treasury Secretary Warns Europe Against Tariff Retaliation Over Greenland
United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has issued a strong warning to European countries. He cautioned them against imposing retaliatory tariffs in response to President Donald Trump's threatened levies linked to Greenland. Bessent described any such European response as ill-advised and potentially damaging.
Davos Remarks Highlight Transatlantic Tensions
Speaking to reporters on the opening day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bessent made his position clear. He stated that any retaliatory move by Europe would be "very unwise." These comments came amid growing trade tensions between Washington and its European allies.
Bessent addressed questions about reports suggesting Trump linked his Greenland ambitions to the Nobel Peace Prize. He claimed no knowledge of any correspondence between Trump and Norway's prime minister on this matter. "I don't know anything about the president's letter to Norway," Bessent told journalists on the sidelines of the forum.
The Treasury Secretary dismissed suggestions about Nobel Prize motivations. "I think it's a complete canard that the president will be doing this because of the Nobel Prize," he added firmly.
Trump's Tariff Announcement Sparks European Backlash
President Trump announced significant tariff measures over the weekend. Starting February 1, several European countries will face a 10 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States. The affected nations include:
- Britain
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
Trump stated these tariffs would remain until Denmark agrees to cede Greenland to US control. This announcement has triggered sharp reactions across European capitals. Several US allies have accused Washington of economic coercion and unfair trade practices.
European Countermeasures Under Consideration
German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil revealed on Monday that Europe is preparing countermeasures. These would respond directly to the proposed US tariffs. The European response could escalate the ongoing trade dispute between the two economic powers.
Bessent reiterated his warning against such escalation. He cautioned European governments against taking retaliatory steps. The Treasury Secretary emphasized that retaliatory tariffs would prove "very unwise" for all parties involved.
Strategic Importance of Greenland Drives US Position
Bessent explained the strategic thinking behind Trump's Greenland interest. The US president views Greenland as a vital strategic asset for American security interests. Bessent described the autonomous Danish territory as critical for both national and hemispheric security.
"We are not going to outsource our hemispheric security to anyone else," Bessent declared. This statement clarifies Washington's firm stance amid rising transatlantic trade tensions.
Trump has maintained his position on Greenland for several months. He consistently insists that the United States should control the territory. This persistent stance has unsettled European Union capitals. It has also raised the prospect of fresh tariff confrontations between Washington and Europe.
The situation continues to develop as both sides consider their next moves. European leaders must decide how to respond to Trump's tariff threats. Meanwhile, US officials maintain their position on Greenland's strategic importance.
