Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland; Supreme Court to Hear Bayer Roundup Appeal

President Trump escalated his push to acquire Greenland on Friday, threatening to impose tariffs on any country that refuses to support U.S. control of the Danish territory. Speaking at a White House event, Trump reiterated his argument that Greenland is essential to American national security—a claim he has made repeatedly over recent weeks. The timing underscored the seriousness with which the administration is pursuing the matter, even as diplomatic efforts moved in the opposite direction.

A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers was in Copenhagen the same day, meeting with leaders from Denmark and Greenland in what they framed as an attempt to ease tensions. Among them was Alaska Republican Lisa Murkowski, who told reporters that the vast majority of Americans—roughly 75 percent—oppose the idea of acquiring Greenland. Murkowski also signaled that Congress has options. She said lawmakers possess what she called "tools at our disposal" to constrain the president's territorial ambitions, though Trump himself has made clear that anything short of full U.S. control is unacceptable to him.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court announced it will hear an appeal from Bayer challenging thousands of state lawsuits alleging that the company's Roundup herbicide causes cancer. The decision could potentially shield Bayer from billions of dollars in damages. The company's legal argument rests on the fact that the EPA approved Roundup without requiring a cancer warning on the label, and Bayer contends this federal approval should bar further state-level litigation. The scientific picture remains contested: some studies have linked glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, to cancer, though the EPA maintains the chemical is unlikely to be carcinogenic when used according to directions. The court has not yet scheduled oral arguments.

In Virginia, the state Senate passed a constitutional amendment along party lines that would allow the legislature to redraw voting maps before this year's midterm elections. Democrats control the chamber and stand to gain as much as four additional congressional seats if voters approve the measure in an April referendum. Democratic state Senator Scott Surovell framed the move as restoring balance to the system, while Republican Mark Peake acknowledged that his party had initiated similar gerrymandering efforts in other states but argued that multiple states have since rejected such tactics. Virginia Democrats currently hold six of the state's eleven congressional seats. Party leaders said a new map would be made public by month's end.

The Trump administration announced it will postpone involuntary student loan collections, meaning the government will not garnish wages to recover federal education debts. The Education Department said the delay will allow time to implement what it described as major reforms to student loan repayment programs, offering borrowers expanded options for managing their obligations. The department had planned to notify borrowers this month that wage garnishment would begin. According to the Congressional Research Service, more than 42 million Americans carry student loan debt totaling over $1.6 trillion.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that his country is eliminating its 100 percent tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. Carney made the announcement during a visit to Beijing, the first by a Canadian leader in eight years. In return, Canada will receive lower tariffs on certain agricultural products. Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen bilateral ties after years of friction. The move marks a departure from Canada's previous alignment with U.S. trade policy toward China, though Carney characterized it as a pragmatic response to current circumstances rather than a fundamental shift in alliance.

In South Korea, a court sentenced former President Yoon Suk Yeol to five years in prison. The verdict is the first of eight criminal trials stemming from Yoon's failed attempt to declare martial law in late 2024, an action that triggered nationwide protests and ultimately forced his removal from office. Supporters gathered outside the courthouse holding signs reading "Make Korea Great Again" as Yoon arrived by bus. Yoon has maintained that his authority as president permitted the martial law declaration. He faces additional charges, including allegations of rebellion, which carry the possibility of a death sentence.

Stock markets finished the week with modest losses. The Dow Jones industrial average declined roughly 80 points. The Nasdaq fell around 14 points. The S&P 500 ended just barely in negative territory.