Dutch politicians warn Trump’s Greenland tariffs could fracture NATO

The Dutch government and political leaders reacted with concern to President Donald Trump’s threat to impose new U.S. import tariffs on the Netherlands and other countries over their participation in a Danish military mission in Greenland.

Caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel said the Dutch cabinet is “in close contact” with the European Commission about a response to Trump’s plan to impose a 10 percent tariff on all Dutch goods starting next month. Trump has threatened to raise the tariff to 25 percent in June if Greenland is not transferred to U.S. control.

Van Weel said he had taken note of Trump’s announcement but did not explicitly condemn the tariffs in his post on X. He referred to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who said the tariffs “undermine relations between the United States and Europe” and could trigger “a dangerous downward spiral.” Van Weel emphasized that the Dutch military contribution to Greenland is defensive. “The military efforts for exercises in Greenland are specifically intended to contribute to security in the Arctic region,” he wrote.

Trump has said the tariffs are intended to pressure the Netherlands and seven other European countries to agree to U.S. authority over Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark. Greenland’s government has said it would rather not become part of the United States.

Earlier this week, caretaker Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced that the Netherlands is sending two service members to Greenland as part of the Danish mission. The deployment is seen as preparation for a possible NATO exercise and follows similar announcements by several other European allies.

Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim warned that escalating tensions between the United States and Europe could fracture the NATO alliance. “That plays into Putin’s hands,” Eichelsheim said in an interview with NOS Nieuwsuur. He added that other countries could begin to view NATO as weaker, calling that “the worst scenario you can imagine.”

In parliament, GroenLinks-PvdA leader Jesse Klaver said Europe must draw a clear line. “That Trump chooses provocation and blackmail proves once again: Europe must set boundaries. Going along and flattery do not work. Such behavior calls for a fast, united, and forceful response,” Klaver said on X.

Michiel Hoogeveen of JA21 said Trump’s actions weaken the trans-Atlantic relationship. “The West stands stronger united than divided. American import tariffs undermine the trans-Atlantic relationship. Greenland is and remains an undisputed part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Time for serious negotiations within NATO,” Hoogeveen wrote on X.

CDA lawmaker Derk Boswijk called Trump’s tariff threat “very illogical.” He said the European Union must respond in a united way. At the same time, Boswijk argued that Dutch military reconnaissance in Greenland should continue.