In recent times, the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration celebrated the rise of patriotic European parties. However, many of these party leaders have expressed disapproval of Trump’s aggressive attempt to acquire Greenland for the United States.
Trump challenges Denmark’s long-standing territorial claim over Greenland, causing uproar and diplomatic activity among European leaders, including both liberal and traditional conservative figures. Even far-right parties, typically favored by the U.S. administration on various matters, have not welcomed Trump’s threats.
The current U.S. administration, represented by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice-President JD Vance, has signaled a new stance toward Europe. Vance’s meeting with Alice Weidel, leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), just before a German federal election, drew criticism. Weidel stated that Trump’s actions regarding Greenland breached a fundamental campaign promise of non-interference in other countries.
Trump’s willingness to impose new tariffs on multiple countries over the Greenland issue has led EU officials to consider countermeasures. This move has raised concerns and confusion in Europe, especially since the U.S. and Denmark have an agreement allowing the U.S. to establish military bases in Greenland with prior notification.
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK Party, who previously had Trump’s support, has condemned the U.S.’s approach toward Greenland as a “hostile act.” He emphasized the need for respectful private disagreements rather than aggressive actions.
France, one of the countries facing potential tariffs from the U.S., has a working relationship with Trump, despite his interactions with French President Macron’s adversaries. Trump has criticized legal decisions affecting Macron’s political opponents, such as Marine Le Pen of National Rally (RN).
Jordan Bardella of the National Rally has voiced support for a U.S. national security strategy document that stirred controversy. Bardella has urged the EU to halt its trade agreement with the U.S. due to the Greenland dispute, denouncing Trump’s threats against European sovereignty.
Italy’s Giorgia Meloni cautioned against new tariffs, and Hungary’s Fidesz party argued that Greenland should not be an EU concern but a bilateral matter between the U.S. and Denmark, suggesting resolution through dialogue.