Trump Says Framework for Greenland Deal Is in Place, Suspends Tariff Threats
President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that a “framework” for a future deal on Greenland has been established following what he described as a “very productive meeting” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking just hours after delivering a fiery speech defending the U.S. push to acquire the Arctic territory, Trump revealed that the meeting laid the groundwork for formal negotiations on Greenland — a move he says will benefit not only the United States but all NATO nations.
“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump said in a statement. “This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations.”
In light of the progress made with NATO, Trump announced that he will suspend the additional tariffs he previously threatened to impose on February 1 against several European nations opposed to his Greenland initiative.
Negotiations will now begin in earnest, with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff tapped to lead the process. Trump said the three officials, along with other aides “as needed,” will report directly to him.
“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland. Further information will be made available as discussions progress,” Trump added, referencing the Arctic missile defense architecture he wants to build as part of the acquisition.
During his Davos address, Trump also clarified that he would not use military force to take Greenland, emphasizing a diplomatic path forward. Still, he reiterated the island’s strategic importance and warned that U.S. inaction could open the door for hostile powers.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice,” Trump said. “Develop it and improve it and make it so that it’s good for Europe and safe for Europe and good for us.”
Trump’s renewed push comes despite strong resistance from Denmark, Greenland’s autonomous government, and the broader European Union. Just hours after Trump’s remarks, the EU voted to suspend a pending trade agreement with the United States over the Greenland controversy.
Still, Trump framed his move as a show of leadership and a reset for NATO’s Arctic posture, casting America as the only power capable of defending the region from growing Russian and Chinese influence.