Greenland latest: Trump says framework deal reached with NATO, cancels tariff threat

Trump announces framework formed for Greenland deal

President Donald Trump announced the framework for a future deal on Greenland has been formed. Trump posted on Truth Social: "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. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations. Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st. Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland. Further information will be made available as discussions progress. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and various others, as needed, will be responsible for the negotiations — They will report directly to me. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

President Donald Trump said Wednesday on social media that he’s reached an agreement with NATO on a "framework of a future deal" on Arctic security. 

The president has been pushing for U.S. control of Greenland, and reiterated his interest earlier in the day during his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. 

Here is the latest: 

Trump Greenland comments

Trump says he won't use force to acquire Greenland

While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Wednesday, President Trump said he won’t use force to acquire Greenland. 

What they're saying:

"I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States," Trump said earlier on Wednesday, when speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

"This enormous unsecured island is actually part of North America," he added. "That’s our territory," he said, though saying he wouldn't use force to acquire it.

Trump also proclaimed that, "When America booms the whole world booms," and, "You all follow us down and you follow us up."

Several hours later, Trump shared on Truth Social that he'd come to terms with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on a "framework of a future deal" on Arctic security. Details were not immediately released. 

Trump added that he was canceling the tariffs he'd threatened over the weekend to impost on eight European countries that opposed U.S. control of Greenland. 

RELATED: Greenland latest: Trump charging tariff to 8 European countries

The backstory:

Trump has insisted for months that the U.S. should control Greenland, and said over the weekend that anything less than the Arctic island being in U.S. hands would be "unacceptable."

Why does Trump want Greenland? 

Big picture view:

Greenland's strategic location above the Arctic Circle makes it a focal point in global security and trade debates. 

Dig deeper:

The island is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, a longtime U.S. ally and a founding member of NATO. It is also home to a large U.S. military base.

The land is rich in valuable rare earth minerals, such as uranium, as well as billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas. 

And, on a global scale, Greenland will be an increasing focal point through the 21st century, experts say, because of the effect its melting ice will have on sea levels.

What they're saying:

"We need it for strategic national security and international security," Trump said in his remarks in Switzerland on Wednesday. 

US President Donald Trump delivers a special address during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on January 21, 2026. The World Economic Forum takes place in Davos from January 19 to January 23, 2026. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP via

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Greenland population

By the numbers:

The island, 80% of which lies above the Arctic Circle, is home to about 56,000 mostly Inuit people.