A German military reconnaissance team abruptly and quietly withdrew from Greenland between 11:46 a.m. and 12:46 p.m. UTC on January 18, 2026, after receiving sudden orders from Berlin, with no explanation provided, according to Bild newspaper as reported by @clashreport on X. The withdrawal comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. President Donald Trump's January 17 announcement of 10% tariffs on Denmark and other nations starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1 unless a Greenland purchase deal is reached. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated over the past hour that she told Trump the tariffs on nations contributing to Greenland's security are a 'mistake,' according to Sky News. Meloni's comments echo her earlier statements today disclosing a direct call with Trump urging dialogue to avoid escalation due to a misinterpretation, as previously reported. British journalist Piers Morgan posted a satirical jab on X, suggesting Britain buy America back and impose tariffs on the U.S. if resisted, referencing Trump's Greenland efforts. These developments follow U.S. Senator John Fetterman's earlier remark today that Trump's Greenland idea is 'not an absurd idea,' contrasted by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it 'quixotic,' per prior coverage.
