The punitive tariffs will be 10 percent and will apply from February 1, according to Trump - who is threatening to raise them to 25 percent on June 1.
In addition to Sweden, the threat also applies to Denmark, Norway, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. All of these have recently sent military personnel to Greenland, which, according to Trump, was done for "unclear reasons," he writes, continuing:
"This is a very dangerous situation for the safety, security, and survival of our planet. These countries, playing a very dangerous game, have taken a great risk that is neither sustainable nor defensible."
Expert: Could go even further
Jan Hallenberg, associate senior researcher at the Swedish Institute for International Affairs and a US expert, believes that Trump's statement is a clear sign that the American president is serious about his plans.
"This shows how far he is prepared to go, but he is probably prepared to go even further," Hallenberg tells TT.
If the tariffs become a reality, the EU will respond with countermeasures, according to Hallenberg.
"Then he will be met with a counter-tariff from the entire European Union. Because the EU acts as a unit."
The EU has long tried to counter Trump's many overtures regarding tariffs. However, this time it is a red line for the EU, says Hallenberg.
"I believe that the EU has been evasive for long enough, and this issue cannot be ignored."
He also points out that Trump's recurring tariff threats may encounter scrutiny in the legal system, which is currently examining the extent to which the president has the right to use this as a weapon in this way.
"It's his favorite instrument. The Supreme Court will rule on this eventually. I think they will limit his right to impose tariffs, so it will be harder to do this in the future," says Hallenberg.
Trump: "Protect global peace"
Trump has previously argued that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. He repeated that message on Saturday, but also said the issue is about “protecting global peace and security.”
Thousands of people in both Denmark and Greenland demonstrated on Saturday against Trump's plans for a takeover.
TT is seeking Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson for comment.
