US Treasury chief defends Greenland strategy, insists annexation differs from Crimea

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended proposed tariffs targeting eight European countries that oppose President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland, telling NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that the measures are intended to prevent a potential national emergency.

Throughout his second term, Trump has repeatedly cited the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify sweeping tariffs, a law that allows the president to regulate imports during national emergencies. When moderator Kristen Welker asked what specific emergency justified tariffs against nations opposing Greenland’s sale, Bessent responded: “The national emergency is avoiding a national emergency.”

“It is a strategic decision by the president,” Bessent added. “This is a geopolitical decision, and he is able to use the economic might of the US to avoid a hot war.”

Trump announced on January 17 that imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would face a 10% tariff, increasing to 25% on June 1 if a deal to purchase Greenland is not reached. His remarks came as the Supreme Court was expected to rule on the administration’s use of IEEPA to impose tariffs.

In response, European Union ambassadors scheduled an emergency meeting for January 25, according to a spokesperson for the Cyprus presidency of the EU Council. European Council President António Costa also confirmed plans to convene “an extraordinary meeting of the European Council in the coming days,” emphasizing commitments to “solidarity” with Denmark and Greenland and readiness “to defend ourselves against any form of coercion.” Costa warned that Trump’s tariff threats “would undermine transatlantic relations and are incompatible with the EU-US trade agreement.”

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly held calls with Trump and several European leaders on January 18. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that Starmer “reiterated his position on Greenland” and stressed that NATO prioritizes regional security. “He also said that applying tariffs on allies for pursuing the collective security of NATO allies is wrong,” the spokesperson added.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on X that she had spoken with Starmer and other European leaders. “Together we stand firm in our commitment to uphold the sovereignty of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark,” she said, adding that the EU would confront these challenges “with steadiness and resolve.”

Trump has previously insisted that the US will have Greenland “one way or the other.” When asked on “Meet the Press” whether military action remains an option, Bessent said he has not “spoken with the president on that.”

Bessent was also questioned about how a US annexation of Greenland would differ from Russia’s annexation of Crimea. He replied, “I believe that the Europeans will understand that this is best for Greenland, best for Europe and best for the United States.”

The Trump administration had earlier negotiated a trade agreement with the EU in July, lowering tariffs on European imports. Asked how countries can trust US trade agreements if Trump is willing to override them, Bessent insisted: “The trade deal hasn’t been finalized, and that an emergency action can be very different from another trade deal.” He added, “We’re in a very good equilibrium right now with China, but if China did something to upset that balance, I think the president would be willing to act.”

Several lawmakers, including some Republicans, have criticized Trump’s Greenland rhetoric. Greenland, which is part of Denmark, is a NATO ally, and some Democrats have warned that any US action could damage the alliance. When asked whether Greenland or NATO is more critical to US security, Bessent called it a “false choice,” later affirming, “of course, we are going to remain a part of NATO.”

 In a separate interview, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) emphasized that emergency powers are intended to be “short-lived” and questioned their application to Greenland. “There’s no emergency with Greenland. That’s ridiculous,” Paul said. “And the idea by the secretary that, ‘Oh, this is to prevent an emergency.’ Now we’re declaring emergencies to prevent emergencies? That would lead to endless emergencies.”

Last week, a US delegation of lawmakers visited Denmark to meet with Danish and Greenlandic leaders. The group included mostly Democrats, alongside Republican Sens. Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska). Trump has maintained that full US control of Greenland is necessary for national security, a stance strongly rejected by Greenland, Denmark, and other European allies.

By Vafa Guliyeva