Trump Says a ‘Framework of a Future Deal’ was Discussed on Greenland as he Backs Off Tariff Threat

President Donald Trump said the United States is exploring a potential agreement regarding Greenland following discussions with NATO, as he backed away from threatened tariffs on European allies that opposed his plans to acquire the island.

On social media, Trump offered limited details about the talks, which both he and NATO described as “very productive.” After weeks of tense rhetoric, the US president said the meeting had produced the “framework” of a potential deal.

However, there was no indication of any arrangement granting the US ownership of Greenland, a goal Trump reiterated at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland while ruling out military action. On Truth Social on Wednesday, he stated:

“We have 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.”

Diplomatic sources told CBS that no agreement had been reached for US control over the autonomous Danish territory. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would “report directly” to him as negotiations continue.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed the talks, saying: “The day is ending on a better note than it began. Now, let’s sit down and find out how we can address American security concerns in the Arctic while respecting Denmark’s red lines.”

Following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Switzerland, Trump indicated the possible deal could involve mineral rights, while European allies might participate in his proposed Golden Dome defense system to protect the US from long-range missile threats.

Greenland’s strategic location and untapped rare earth mineral reserves—critical for technologies such as mobile phones and electric vehicles—remain central to US interest. Trump described the arrangement as a “long-term deal” beneficial for security and mineral resources.

NATO Secretary-General Rutte said Danish sovereignty over Greenland was not discussed in his talks with Trump. Meanwhile, Trump had previously dismissed leasing Greenland, saying, “You defend ownership. You don’t defend leases.” NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart added that negotiations involving Denmark, Greenland, and the US aim to prevent Russia and China from gaining economic or military footholds on the island.

Some Greenlandic lawmakers, however, questioned NATO’s role in discussions over the island’s mineral wealth. Aaja Chenmitz said: “NATO has no right to negotiate anything without Greenland. Nothing about us without us.”

Reports suggested the plan could allow the US to expand its military presence on Greenland, similar to the British sovereign bases in Cyprus, though Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Denmark cannot negotiate away its sovereignty.

Currently, the US already maintains more than 100 military personnel at Pituffik base in northwest Greenland. Trump had threatened tariffs of 10% starting February 1 on goods from several European NATO members, increasing to 25% from June, until a Greenland deal was reached—but he abandoned the trade war threat after meeting Rutte.

In Davos, Trump reiterated that the US is seeking negotiations to acquire Greenland but emphasized that it would not be taken by force. “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive force. We’d be unstoppable, but we won’t do that. I don’t want to use force,” he said.

Trump also challenged world leaders to approve US control of Greenland voluntarily, saying: “You can say yes and we will be very appreciative. Or you can say no and we will remember.”

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump’s prior threat of tariffs, calling an “endless accumulation of new tariffs” unacceptable, while Trump responded by accusing France and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of being ungrateful to the US.