UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Trump threatens tariffs on nations that don’t back plan on Greenland

Q1. In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a tariff on a specified set of European countries in connection with the Greenland dispute. How many countries were named in this tariff announcement?

  • A. Five
  • B. Seven
  • C. Eight
  • D. Ten

Q2. The U.S. military installation in Greenland that has been at the centre of recent U.S.–Denmark tensions over the territory was originally established under which one of the following instruments?

  • A. The 1941 Greenland Defence Agreement signed during the Second World War
  • B. The 1949 North Atlantic Treaty
  • C. The 1951 U.S.–Denmark Defence Agreement
  • D. The 1979 Greenland Home Rule Act

Q3. With reference to the 2026 U.S.-led pressure campaign on Greenland and earlier U.S. attempts to acquire the territory, consider the following statements: 1. The 2026 tariff threat targeted only NATO members, whereas the 1946 attempt by President Harry Truman was a direct monetary offer of USD 100 million to Denmark. 2. The tariffs announced in January 2026 were set to rise from 10% to 25% on 1 June 2026 and were to remain in force only until a deal was reached for U.S. purchase of Greenland. 3. Unlike the 2019 episode, in which the U.S. response was limited to the cancellation of a state visit to Denmark, the 2026 escalation extended tariff threats to countries other than Denmark itself. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The 2026 tariff threat targeted only NATO members, whereas the 1946 attempt by President Harry Truman was a direct monetary offer of USD 100 million to Denmark.
  2. The tariffs announced in January 2026 were set to rise from 10% to 25% on 1 June 2026 and were to remain in force only until a deal was reached for U.S. purchase of Greenland.
  3. Unlike the 2019 episode, in which the U.S. response was limited to the cancellation of a state visit to Denmark, the 2026 escalation extended tariff threats to countries other than Denmark itself.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. With reference to the constitutional and political status of Greenland, consider the following statements: 1. Greenland is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark and was granted Home Rule in 1979. 2. Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and the seat of its self-government, the Naalakkersuisut. 3. Defence and foreign affairs of Greenland are handled by the Government of Denmark. 4. Greenland is a full member State of the United Nations in its own right, separate from Denmark. Which of the statements given above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Greenland is an autonomous constituent country within the Kingdom of Denmark and was granted Home Rule in 1979.
  2. Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and the seat of its self-government, the Naalakkersuisut.
  3. Defence and foreign affairs of Greenland are handled by the Government of Denmark.
  4. Greenland is a full member State of the United Nations in its own right, separate from Denmark.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
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