U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced he had reached a “framework” with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte for “a future take care of respect to Greenland” and “the whole Arctic region.”
Trump added he would now not impose threatened tariffs on European nations over their support for the Danish territory next month as a part of the deal framework, which he announced on his Truth Social platform.
“Based upon a really productive meeting that I actually have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we’ve got formed the framework of a future take care of respect to Greenland and, the truth is, the whole Arctic Region,” Trump wrote.
“This solution, if consummated, might be a fantastic one for america of America, and all NATO Nations,” he added.
“Based upon this understanding, I won’t be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to enter effect on Feb. 1.”
Trump’s post continued: “Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome because it pertains to Greenland. Further information might be made available as discussions progress. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and various others, as needed, might be liable for the negotiations — they may report on to me.”
Trump’s announcement got here hours after he addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and reiterated his desire to amass Greenland, though he said he wouldn’t achieve this by force.
“That’s our territory,” he told the gang.
Rutte and several other European leaders, in addition to Prime Minister Mark Carney, attended the annual forum this week and pledged support for the sovereignty of Greenland and Denmark, a NATO ally.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the “solution” Trump announced would change anything about Greenland’s sovereignty or what it means for U.S. military presence within the territory. Greenland is already under NATO protection, and the U.S. currently has the power to expand its military bases as much because it desires to under a 1951 treaty with Denmark and newer security agreements between the 2 countries.
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“It’s a deal that everyone’s very glad with,” Trump told reporters after emerging from the meeting with Rutte.
“It’s a long-term deal. It’s the last word long-term deal. It puts everybody in a very good position, especially because it pertains to security and to minerals.”
He added: “It’s a deal that’s without end.”
The White House declined to comment further, and wouldn’t answer Global News’ questions on how the deal could affect Canada.
NATO spokesperson Allison Hart told Global News in an announcement that the meeting between Trump and Rutte was “productive” and focused on Arctic security, but didn’t reference a possible U.S. takeover of Greenland as being a part of a future deal.
“Discussions amongst NATO allies on the framework the president referenced will deal with ensuring Arctic security through the collective efforts of allies, especially the seven Arctic allies,” Hart said.
“Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and america will go forward aimed toward ensuring that Russia and China never gain a foothold — economically or militarily — in Greenland.”
Denmark’s foreign minister said the problem needs to be handled through private diplomacy slightly than on social media.
“What’s crucial for us is that we get to finish this with respect for the integrity and sovereignty of the dominion (of Denmark) and the best of the Greenlandic people to self-determination,” Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR.
Rasmussen said he had spoken with Rutte but declined to supply details on what had been agreed.
Greenland’s government didn’t reply to a request for comment.
NATO chief seeks to maintain alliance unified
Trump used his speech earlier Wednesday to insist that only the U.S. can protect Greenland from Russia and China and that Denmark, which he called “ungrateful,” and the remainder of Europe’s defence capabilities were inadequate.
Rutte has spent his week in Davos stressing the necessity for NATO solidarity within the face of tensions over Greenland.
He and Carney agreed in a gathering earlier Wednesday that the alliance was facing a “test” that requires ensuring security within the Arctic, in response to a readout from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Chatting with reporters before his private meeting with Trump, Rutte said NATO would stand with the U.S. if attacked after Trump used his speech to query whether it might come to America’s aid.
“You possibly can be assured, absolutely,” Rutte told Trump, adding, “your allies might be with you.”
Trump’s push to amass Greenland has rattled Europe and the NATO alliance, in addition to global stock markets, which rebounded Wednesday after the U.S. president ruled out military motion.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Tuesday warned the territory should prepare for the unlikely event of a U.S. invasion, while people in Greenland and Denmark have protested against Trump’s demands.
Trump further escalated tensions over the weekend by threatening tariffs on eight European countries that recently sent NATO troops to Greenland for Arctic security training missions.
European leaders in Davos vowed to retaliate if the tariffs were enforced, with French President Emmanuel Macron raising the opportunity of the European Union invoking its so-called “trade bazooka” or anti-coercion instrument against the U.S. economy.
Leaders of those countries expressed relief Wednesday that Trump was backing down from his tariff threat.
“Good that Trump has now backed away from tariffs on those of us who’ve supported Denmark and Greenland,” Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said on X.
“The demands about moving borders has received well-earned criticism. That can be why we’ve got repeated that we’ll not be blackmailed. It seems that our work along with allies has had an impact.”
Nevertheless, a spokesperson for the European Union council said leaders will proceed with an emergency summit on Thursday despite Trump pulling back on the tariffs.
Germany’s Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil warned against premature optimism over the possible deal before its details are known.
“It’s good that they’re engaged in dialog, but we’ve got to attend a bit and never get our hopes up too soon,” Klingbeil told Germany’s ZDF television.
—With files from Reuters