Trump To Meet With NATO Chief On Greenland: ‘There Can Be No Going Back’
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he plans to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other world leaders in Davos to discuss the future of Greenland, continuing his push for the U.S. to take control of the Arctic territory.
Trump, who will attend the World Economic Forum this week in Switzerland, said he spoke with Rutte by phone and made clear that acquiring Greenland is a top U.S. national security priority. No face-to-face talks have yet occurred between Trump and officials from Denmark or Greenland.
“I had a very good telephone call with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, concerning Greenland. I agreed to a meeting of the various parties in Davos, Switzerland. As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
“There can be no going back — On that, everyone agrees!” he added. “The United States of America is the most powerful Country anywhere on the Globe, by far. Much of the reason for this is a rebuilding of our Military during my First Term, which rebuilding continues at even more expedited pace. We are the only POWER that can ensure PEACE throughout the World — And it is done, quite simply, through STRENGTH!”
Trump also shared a screenshot of a text message from Rutte, who praised the president for recent peace efforts and pledged support on the Greenland issue.
“Mr. President, dear Donald — what you accomplished in Syria today is incredible. I will use my media engagements in Davos to highlight your work there, in Gaza, and in Ukraine,” Rutte wrote. “I am committed to finding a way forward on Greenland. Can’t wait to see you.”
Trump’s initiative has rattled European allies. In response to Trump’s pressure campaign, NATO nations sent troops to Greenland last week for joint military exercises.
Over the weekend, Trump announced 10% tariffs on eight countries opposing his Greenland plan. The duties, set to take effect February 1, apply to imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland.
The president also posted a message he received from French President Emmanuel Macron, who questioned the Greenland campaign and proposed a G7 meeting in Paris that would include Ukraine, Denmark, Syria, and Russia.
“I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things,” Macron wrote.
Tensions escalated after Macron rejected Trump’s offer to join his “Board of Peace” for Gaza, calling it a challenge to the United Nations’ authority. That drew a fiery response from Trump, who threatened to slap a 200% tariff on French wines and champagnes.
“Well, nobody wants him because he’s going to be out of office very soon,” Trump said. “So you know, that’s all right. What I’ll do is, if they feel like [being] hostile, I’ll put a 200% tariff on his wines and champagnes, and he’ll join. But he doesn’t have to join.”