'Unacceptable': French PM Macron And Britain Reject Trump’s Tariff Threats Over Greenland 'Purchase' Remark

Following the recent threats by US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on European nations, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have both expressed strong opposition to the move. The threats are reportedly linked to European countries' objections to Trump's desire to purchase Greenland.

Macron was quick to condemn the move, calling the tariff threats “unacceptable.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he remarked, “Tariff threats are unacceptable and have no place in this context.” The French leader also made it clear that European nations would respond to such tactics in a "united and coordinated" manner, ensuring that European sovereignty remains intact.

France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations, in Europe and elsewhere. This guides our choices. It underpins our commitment to the United Nations and to its Charter.

It is on this basis that we support, and will continue to support Ukraine…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 17, 2026

PM Macron noted that France is committed to the sovereignty and independence of nations. "It is also on this basis that we decided to take part in the exercise organised by Denmark in Greenland," he said. Macron further added that France "fully assumes this decision," stressing that security in the Arctic and on the outer edges of Europe is at stake.

"No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world," Macron’s statement concluded, asserting France's determination to uphold its interests.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also weighed in, calling the US approach “completely wrong.” According to Reuters, Starmer said, "Applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is completely wrong. We will, of course, be pursuing this directly with the US administration."

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Starmer reiterated that, from the UK’s perspective, the future of Greenland should be decided by Denmark and Greenland, not outside powers.

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US President Trump announced on Friday that 10 per cent tariffs would be imposed on eight European nations until the US is allowed to purchase Greenland. He further threatened to increase the tariffs to 25 per cent once the deal is finalised.