Trump backs down on Greenland tariffs, signals “framework” deal with NATO

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday reversed his threats to impose tariffs on eight European countries amid his bid to gain control over Greenland, saying he had agreed on a “framework of a future deal” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. However, Trump signaled he still intends to secure key strategic and economic interests in the Arctic region.

In a post on Truth Social following his meeting with Rutte, Trump said, “We formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO nations.” He added that, based on this understanding, the tariffs scheduled for February 1 would not be imposed and that further discussions concerning what he described as the “Golden Dome” missile-defence system in Greenland were ongoing.

Trump named Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff among officials responsible for negotiating the deal, who “will report directly to me,” he said.

Few details have emerged about the framework. A European official told The Associated Press that NATO members had discussed a potential compromise in which Denmark and the alliance would collaborate with the United States to build additional American military bases on Greenland, though it was unclear if this arrangement was included in the formal framework.

Trump emphasized that the deal could satisfy his objectives of deploying a “Golden Dome” missile-defence system, gaining access to critical Arctic minerals, and blocking Russian and Chinese ambitions in the region. “It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal. It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals. It’s a deal that’s forever,” he told reporters.

NATO Secretary General Rutte, however, said the issue of Greenland’s status under Denmark did not come up in their discussions. “He [Trump] is very much focused on what we need to do to protect this huge Arctic region, where the Chinese and the Russians are increasingly active,” Rutte told Fox News.

Denmark welcomed Trump’s retreat from threats of force and tariffs. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said, “Now, let’s sit down and find out how we can address the American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark,” stressing that Denmark’s sovereignty and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination remain central.

Trump’s remarks on Greenland dominated his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, despite the event being intended to focus on housing issues. During his address, Trump repeatedly misnamed the island, referring to Greenland as Iceland, and described it as “cold and poorly located” while asserting the U.S. had “effectively saved Europe during World War II.”

He insisted that the U.S. would not need to use force to achieve its aims but continued to assert American dominance in the region. “No nation or group of nations is in any position to secure Greenland other than the United States,” he said, adding, “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no, and we will remember.”