US President Donald Trump has surprised the world with new tariff threats linked to Greenland. Dag Blanck, professor of North American studies at Uppsala University, calls the move exceptional.
"Going after old allies in that way is extremely unusual. We haven't seen that in a long time when it comes to US relations with Europe," he says.
Silence from Trump's camp
Democrats say they are trying to stop the tariffs, but there has been silence from Trump's own camp. A few Republicans who have previously openly criticized the president have commented on the threats, including senators Lisa Murkowski, Thom Tillis and Mitch McConnell.
"It is likely that, especially in the Senate, there are more Republican senators who are skeptical of what is happening now - that is, that they are so obviously attacking or criticizing or taking measures against allies," says Blanck.
These are people who believe in the NATO defense alliance as an important part of American foreign policy and the importance of preserving it. But, Blanck says, they are low-key - "and any criticism of Trump is very muted."
The question is what it takes for criticism to stop being silent and where the line is for Trump.
"That question has been asked by observers, politicians and others who follow American politics for many years now. Many times it has been believed that he has now crossed the line. And never once has it proven true."
Weak support
But according to Blanck, there are also those who conclude that this is where the line is drawn, depending on how the European countries react.
Among voters at home, support for a takeover of Greenland is weak, opinion polls show. And according to Blanck, there is no interest in it among Trump's MAGA base either.
"These types of foreign policy adventures with Greenland, Panama and Venezuela, they're not exactly election-winning issues."
