It has been claimed that Germany could significantly increase the rent charged for U.S. military bases on its territory in response to potential tariffs that U.S. President Donald Trump may impose in the context of Greenland.
According to a report by The Times, citing its sources, Germany is preparing to retaliate against possible new U.S. tariffs. The report stated: “A source said Germany could significantly raise the rent it demands for the use of these bases.”
The bases in question were identified as the U.S. facilities in Ramstein and Stuttgart.
Sevim Dağdelen, foreign policy spokesperson of the German party Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) – Reason and Justice, said in a statement on January 18 that U.S. forces and nuclear weapons should be withdrawn from Germany, and also called for halting the planned deployment of U.S. missiles on German soil.
Situation Around Greenland
After being elected and taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly stated that Greenland should become part of the United States, citing the island’s strategic location. Following the Venezuela operation, the U.S. leader significantly intensified his insistence on this issue. Claiming that Russian and Chinese submarines are present around the island, Trump said Greenland’s defense consisted of only “two dog sleds,” one of which had been added recently.
Trump’s remarks triggered strong reactions within Greenland, while Europe also harshly criticized the initiative.
In response, the U.S. president announced that starting from February 1, 2026, the tariff rate applied to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland would be increased to 25 percent.