Jan 22, 2026: US President Donald Trump has said discussions with Nato have produced what he described as a “framework” for a possible future agreement involving Greenland, easing weeks of tension with European allies after stepping back from his earlier tariff threats.
Posting on social media, Trump gave limited details of the talks, which both he and Nato officials characterised as constructive. After weeks of sharp rhetoric that unsettled transatlantic relations, the president said the meeting had opened the door to a potential long-term arrangement, though no agreement on US “ownership” of Greenland was announced.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Trump once again expressed his interest in Greenland but ruled out the use of military force to acquire the territory. He maintained, however, that the island remains strategically vital for the United States.
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump said the talks had resulted in a broad outline for cooperation related to Greenland and the wider Arctic region. He claimed such an understanding, if finalised, would benefit both the United States and Nato member states.
Despite Trump’s remarks, diplomatic sources cited by US media said there was no deal granting Washington control or ownership of Greenland, which is an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty. Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff would continue discussions and report directly to him.
Denmark reacted cautiously but positively. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the day had ended “better than it began” and stressed the need to address US security concerns in the Arctic while respecting Denmark’s non-negotiable positions.
Further details emerged later in the day. After meeting Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte in Switzerland, Trump told reporters that any future arrangement could involve access to mineral resources. He also suggested European allies might cooperate with the United States on a proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system.
Greenland’s strategic importance has grown in recent years, not only because of its location but also due to its largely untapped reserves of rare earth minerals, which are essential for technologies such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and smartphones. Trump described the idea as a long-term strategic deal that would strengthen both security and economic interests.
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said the issue of Danish sovereignty over Greenland was not discussed during his meeting with Trump. Speaking to Fox News, Rutte noted that the question of ownership did not arise in their conversation.
A Nato spokesperson later said that discussions among Denmark, Greenland and the United States would continue, with the stated aim of preventing Russia and China from gaining economic or military influence in Greenland.
However, the comments drew criticism from Greenlandic representatives. Aaja Chemnitz, one of Greenland’s two lawmakers in the Danish parliament, said decisions about the island’s resources or future could not be made without Greenland’s direct involvement, questioning why Nato would have a role in such matters.
US media reports suggested that one possible scenario under discussion could allow the United States to expand its military presence on the island. The New York Times reported that officials had compared the idea to the UK’s military bases in Cyprus, which operate under a special territorial arrangement.
Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US already has the right to deploy troops to Greenland and currently maintains more than 100 personnel at the Pituffik Space Base in the island’s northwest.
Trump had earlier threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25% on goods from several European countries, including Denmark and the UK, unless an agreement was reached on Greenland. Those threats have now been withdrawn following the Nato talks.
“Based on this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1,” Trump said in his Truth Social post.
At the Davos forum, Trump reiterated that he wanted immediate negotiations over Greenland but said the US would not use force. He also warned that countries opposing his position should consider the long-term consequences of their decisions.
Trump’s comments came amid broader trade tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier criticised Washington’s tariff threats, calling an endless cycle of new import taxes unacceptable and urging the European Union to consider countermeasures.
Trump responded by accusing France of unfair trade practices and also criticised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had urged middle-power nations to work together in response to US policies. Trump dismissed those remarks, saying Canada depended heavily on the United States and should acknowledge that reality.
While no concrete deal has emerged, Trump’s latest remarks indicate a shift from confrontation towards negotiation, even as questions remain over Greenland’s future and the limits of US ambitions in the Arctic.
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