A Trump official cautions Europe against imposing counter-tariffs on the US over Greenland, calling it ‘very unwise’

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday cautioned European governments against responding with countermeasures in the escalating dispute over Greenland, saying retaliation against the United States would be “very unwise.”

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Bessent dismissed the idea of European counter-tariffs as tensions rise over President Donald Trump’s push to take control of the Arctic island.

“I think it would be very unwise,” Bessent said when asked whether Europe should respond with tariffs or other trade measures.

Bessent urged European leaders to take Trump’s statements seriously and not underestimate his intent.

“I’ve been travelling, so I haven’t been in touch with European officials,” he said. “But I spoke to President Trump, and evidently there are a lot of inbounds, and I think everyone should take the president at his word.”

Trump’s presence has loomed over the Davos gathering, with reports indicating he is expected to meet global business leaders later this week as debate intensifies over his threat of punitive tariffs linked to Greenland.

Scott Bessent warns Europe about retaliations against U.S. tariffs.

“I think it would be very unwise.”

*This is exactly what happened in the 1930s 👇 https://t.co/tRoYhoE5al pic.twitter.com/YQLw8m7Vcc

— Financelot (@FinanceLancelot) January 19, 2026

GERMANY AND FRANCE PUSH BACK

Bessent’s remarks came as Germany and France issued strong responses to US pressure over Greenland.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said, “Germany and France agree: We will not allow ourselves to be blackmailed. The limit has been reached.”

Trump has stepped up pressure on European allies by threatening tariffs against countries he claims are obstructing US interests in Greenland. He has specifically warned France, Germany, and other European nations that have deployed small military contingents to the island.

European Union officials have discussed possible countermeasures, including retaliatory tariffs on US imports worth up to €93 billion ($107.7 billion).

Taking a more cautious stance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he did not believe Trump was considering the use of force in Greenland. He also suggested that the UK was unlikely to respond with retaliatory tariffs, striking a softer tone than other European leaders.

Ahead of a Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen described Trump’s tariff threats as “irresponsible,” reflecting growing frustration among EU finance ministers.