DAVOS – US President Donald Trump has stepped back from threats to seize Greenland, ruling out force and hinting at a potential agreement with Denmark and NATO allies. The sudden shift came during his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Earlier, Trump had threatened to impose tariffs on European exports as leverage over Greenland, sparking concerns about NATO relations and global trade tensions. However, after meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Trump suggested a deal could satisfy US interests in security and mineral resources while blocking Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.
“It’s a deal that everybody’s very happy with,” Trump told reporters. “It’s the ultimate long-term deal for security and minerals.” He added, “It’s a deal that’s forever.”
NATO confirmed that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the US would continue to ensure no outside powers gain a foothold. A NATO spokesperson said no date or venue had been set for the discussions, though Trump assigned Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff to participate.
Denmark emphasized respect for its sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination. Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the matter should be handled through private diplomacy rather than social media. Greenland’s government has not yet commented on the issue.
Trump also clarified that force would not be used. “People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to. I won’t use force,” he said, addressing market concerns and reassuring allies. Wall Street responded positively, with the S&P 500 posting its biggest one-day gain in two months.
Despite his softened stance, Trump dominated the Davos agenda, criticizing European allies on energy, trade, and defense. He repeatedly framed Greenland as a strategic Arctic asset for US security and mineral access, while dismissing Denmark’s initial resistance as “ungrateful.”
The Greenland dispute, though controversial, highlights the Arctic’s growing geopolitical importance. Analysts note that Trump’s approach aims to secure US strategic interests while maintaining NATO cooperation.
Negotiations over Greenland are expected to continue, with officials seeking a long-term framework that satisfies security, economic, and geopolitical goals. Trump’s pivot signals a preference for diplomacy over confrontation in one of the most high-profile territorial debates of his second term.
In other news read more about US Seeks Greenland Amid European ‘Weakness,’ Says Treasury Secretary
Greenland remains a critical focus for US Arctic strategy, balancing defense, mineral resources, and international relations amid rising Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
