Germany withdraws troops from Greenland following Trump’s tariff threats

Germany has withdrawn its 15-person Bundeswehr contingent from Greenland just one day after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on nations opposing his proposed annexation of the territory and participating in Danish-led military exercises.

The German Ministry of Defense maintained that the mission, originally scheduled for January 15–17, was completed successfully. The ministry further reported that an additional tour of Greenland planned for January 18 was canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Melevçik described the visit as a “success,” characterizing the cooperation with the Danish military as “extremely constructive.”

However, according to reporting by the German newspaper Bild, the mission—commanded by Rear Admiral Stephan Pauly—lasted only 44 hours. The report suggests that the order for the soldiers to return arrived directly from Germany on Sunday morning, resulting in the immediate cancellation of all scheduled meetings and events.

Trump’s annexation plan meets unified European opposition

Donald Trump announced his intention to incorporate Greenland into US territory as a measure to neutralize perceived threats from Russia and China and to bolster national security.

In response, Denmark, which maintains sovereignty over the island, launched a military exercise titled “Arctic Resistance” and invited NATO allies to participate. The United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, France, and Sweden demonstrated their support for Denmark by deploying personnel to the drills.

On January 17, Trump responded by declaring that a 10% additional tariff would be applied to these eight nations and Denmark, effective February 1.

He warned that these tariffs would increase to 25% in June and remain in effect “until an agreement is reached on the full and final sale of Greenland.” Currently, European Union products are subject to a 15% tariff, while goods from the UK face a 10% rate.

“Greenland is not for sale”: Mass protests in Copenhagen and Nuuk

On January 18, the eight targeted nations issued a joint statement affirming their full solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland. While emphasizing their openness to dialogue with the US within the framework of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the European nations warned that tariff threats are damaging transatlantic relations and could lead to “dangerous tension.”

Meanwhile, large-scale protests under the slogan “Hands off Greenland” broke out across Denmark. Thousands of people took to the streets in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense, as well as in the Greenlandic capital, Nuuk.

Demonstrators chanted “Greenland is not for sale,” while many were seen wearing red hats featuring the slogan “Make America Go Away.”