Bessent supports Trump's introduction of tariffs against European countries
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported President Donald Trump's initiative to impose tariffs on goods from countries that opposed Greenland's accession to the United States.
According to Ukrinform, he stated this in an interview with NBC News.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent backed the proposed tariffs targeting eight European countries that oppose President Donald Trump's ambitions to purchase Greenland, stating that the purpose of these measures is to prevent a future national emergency in the United States.
When asked what kind of national emergency would justify tariffs against countries opposing Trump's Greenland ambitions, Bessent said that "the national emergency is avoiding a national emergency."
"It is a strategic decision by the president. This is a geopolitical decision, and he is able to use the economic might of the U.S. to avoid a hot war," the official added.
When asked whether President Trump is still considering the possibility of acquiring Greenland through military action, Bessent replied that he has not "spoken with the president on that."
Bessent was also asked how the annexation of Greenland by the United States would differ from Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
"I believe that the Europeans will understand that this is best for Greenland, best for Europe and best for the United States," Bessent said.
As Ukrinform reported, Donald Trump announced the introduction, starting February 1, of a 10 percent tariff on goods from eight European countries due to their unwillingness to negotiate the purchase of Greenland by the United States.
The restrictions apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
Photo: Office of the President