Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday threatened to impose tariffs on countries that do not support his ambition to acquire Greenland, a Danish territory he claims is vital for America's national security.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump's comments were made during a health care-related event at the White House, amidst growing opposition from European leaders to the idea of the U.S. taking control of Greenland. The Arctic island is currently part of Denmark, a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Trump stated, "I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland because we need national security," indicating his willingness to use economic measures to pressure other nations. This declaration coincided with a bipartisan congressional delegation's meeting with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen to express support for the current governance of Greenland. The delegation, led by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), also included Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and other senators.

Earlier this week, Trump took to social media to emphasize Greenland's strategic importance, warning that if the U.S. does not secure it, "Russia or China will." He further asserted on Truth Social that "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES," dismissing any other scenario as "unacceptable."

This stance is in stark contrast to last week's joint statement by the leaders of France, Britain, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Denmark. The statement underlined that Greenland's future should be determined by its people, emphasizing the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland in making such decisions.