ANI | Davos [Switzerland]
Updated: January 22, 2026
After weeks of aggressive rhetoric over acquiring Greenland, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday appeared to soften his stance, signalling a shift from pressure tactics to negotiations following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said US interest in Greenland was driven solely by security concerns, stressing that American involvement would benefit both Europe and NATO.
“It’s the price of safety for national and international security. It is better that we have Greenland than it is without. It’s going to be better for Europe and for us,” Trump said.
“We want Greenland only for security, not for anything else. Even Mark wants security for NATO and beyond.”
Trump also praised Rutte’s leadership, later posting on Truth Social that a “framework for a future deal” concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region had been agreed upon.
“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump wrote.
“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO Nations.”
As part of the understanding, Trump announced that the United States would not proceed with tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1 against certain European nations, tariffs he had earlier threatened in connection with Greenland negotiations.
“Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st,” he said.
Trump added that further discussions would be held regarding the proposed “Golden Dome” defence infrastructure, which he said would also pertain to Greenland. He named Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as lead negotiators, reporting directly to him.
In response, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to collective defence, assuring Trump of NATO’s support in the event of any attack on the United States.
“If ever the US is under attack, your allies will be with you. Be absolutely assured,” Rutte said.
According to CNN, part of the prospective deal could involve renegotiating the 1951 agreement governing the US military presence in Greenland. NATO officials also indicated discussions may include Denmark allowing expanded US military facilities on the island, which remains an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.
Earlier at the WEF summit, Trump reiterated his view that Greenland is vital to US and NATO security, particularly in relation to Arctic defence and missile protection systems.
“It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, and make it safe for Europe and good for us,” he said, insisting that US control of Greenland would “greatly enhance” NATO rather than threaten it.
Greenland’s strategic Arctic location and mineral resources have long attracted US interest. However, leaders in Denmark, Greenland, and across Europe have repeatedly rejected any proposal for annexation, emphasising the island’s right to self-determination. Some European leaders have warned that any attempt to seize Greenland could seriously strain — or even fracture — the NATO alliance. (ANI)
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