Sir Keir was described as “clear and cordial” during the exchange. He told Trump it was wrong to impose tariffs on NATO allies over Greenland. Trump was direct in expressing his interest in the area, which he has described as strategically important.
This followed Trump’s announcement last Saturday about possible tariffs on European countries unless Denmark agreed to cede control of Greenland. Trump has previously shown interest in the island during his first term.
Sir Keir responded immediately. He held an emergency press conference on Monday, rejecting tariff threats and emphasizing support for Denmark and European partners. He stated that applying tariffs to NATO allies was completely wrong and called for dialogue to prevent escalation.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir was more forceful, telling the House of Commons: “I will not give in, Britain will not give in, on our principles and values on the future of Greenland and the threat of tariffs.”
On Friday, Sir Keir criticized Trump for his claim in a speech in Davos that European NATO troops had avoided frontline tasks in Afghanistan.
He described the comments as ‘offensive and downright appalling’.
Trump appeared to distance himself from the tariff threat in his Davos speech, stating that no force would be used over Greenland and referring to a “deal” discussed with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Details of any agreement remain unclear.
As of Saturday, Mr Trump, who never served in the US military after receiving several deferrals during the Vietnam War due to “bone marks”, has not publicly responded to Sir Keir’s comments on Afghanistan. Nevertheless, the episode has exposed significant tensions in relations between Britain and the US.
Contributing factors include pressure from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper for a more independent stance, delays in the appointment of a new British ambassador to Washington following the departure of Lord Mandelson, and the perception in Number 10 that previous contacts with Trump had been too accommodating.
Sir Keir and Mr Trump have had limited direct contact since the British state visit in September.
Other European leaders, including Giorgia Meloni and Mark Rutte, have been more involved in recent talks with Trump.
The row comes amid domestic pressure on Sir Keir, leadership speculation and local elections looming in May.
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