NATO Deal Tempers Trump’s Greenland Ambitions

By ANITA KNIGHT

Trump Announces Framework Deal on Greenland

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has reversed course on his previously hardline position on acquiring Greenland, announcing that the United States has reached what he described as a “framework of a future deal” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The announcement marks a notable shift after weeks of escalating rhetoric toward European allies and threats of punitive trade measures.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said discussions with NATO would focus on strengthening security in Greenland and the wider Arctic region, an area increasingly viewed as strategically vulnerable amid rising competition from rival powers.

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO Nations,” Trump wrote, adding that he would suspend tariffs that had been scheduled to take effect against European countries opposing his Greenland push.

Tariffs Suspended Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Trump confirmed that the tariffs, which were due to begin on February 1, would no longer be imposed following the new understanding with NATO. He said additional negotiations would address what he called “The Golden Dome” as it relates to Greenland, without offering further details.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were named as lead negotiators, reporting directly to the president as talks continue.

The announcement came just hours after Trump delivered a combative speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he again criticized Denmark for refusing to cede Greenland and accused Europe of exploiting the United States economically.

European Tensions and Trade Fallout

Trump’s earlier stance had triggered political and economic backlash across Europe. On Wednesday, the European Parliament suspended a recently agreed EU–US trade framework, citing concerns over Washington’s use of tariffs as leverage in territorial disputes.

According to Reuters, the deal—initially reached in July 2025—would have seen the EU reduce or eliminate tariffs on several US goods, including extending a zero-duty arrangement for American lobster exports. However, lawmakers grew wary after Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on several European countries, with threats to raise it to 25 percent unless Greenland was ceded.

Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s trade committee, said the US approach undermined trust in transatlantic trade relations.

Denmark and NATO Seek De-escalation

Danish officials indicated that Denmark and Greenland had proposed a NATO-led mission for Greenland during meetings with Rutte earlier in the week. The move was aimed at addressing US security concerns while avoiding any transfer of sovereignty.

Copenhagen has also signaled openness to expanding the US military presence in Greenland, a step seen as a compromise that could ease tensions while preserving Denmark’s territorial integrity.