Trump Withdraws Greenland Tariff Threats, Dismisses Use of Force
U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines on Wednesday by stepping back from his previous threats to impose tariffs as a means to acquire Greenland. He ruled out the use of force and hinted at a potential deal to resolve the dispute over the Danish territory, which could have led to a significant rift in transatlantic relations.
While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump moderated his tone after weeks of rhetoric that had unsettled NATO allies and raised concerns about a new global trade war. Just days earlier, he had threatened to impose escalating tariffs on U.S.-bound exports from eight European nations.
Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed optimism about forging a new agreement regarding Greenland, a strategic island with a population of 57,000. He emphasized the importance of establishing a “Golden Dome” missile-defense system and securing access to vital minerals, all while countering Russian and Chinese ambitions in the Arctic.
Read more: EU ‘Fully Prepared’ to Hit Back Over Trump’s Greenland Tariffs
“It’s a deal that everybody’s very happy with,” Trump stated, describing it as a long-term agreement that would enhance security and mineral access for all parties involved. “It’s a deal that’s forever,” he added.
Rutte later clarified that the question of Greenland’s status within Denmark was not discussed during his talks with Trump. He noted, “That issue did not come up anymore in my conversations tonight with the president,” during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
“He (Trump) is very much focused on what do we need to do to make sure that that huge Arctic region – where change is taking place at the moment, where the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active – how we can protect it,” Rutte added.
Scolding, Dismissive Threats
Earlier that day, Trump had delivered a lengthy speech filled with scolding remarks and dismissive threats aimed at countries already uneasy about his territorial ambitions. European diplomats noted that his sudden shift in tone, while not resolving the underlying dispute, helped ease tensions among allies as they sought to address their differences privately.
It remains uncertain what kind of agreement could satisfy Trump’s demands for outright “ownership” of Greenland, especially given that its residents and leaders have consistently stated that the territory is not for sale. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States would continue to ensure that neither Russia nor China gains a foothold in the region.
Trump announced that he had assigned Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff to participate in further discussions, although no specific date or venue for these negotiations was provided.
In response to the situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked, “What happens in Greenland is of absolutely no consequence to us,” as reported by Russian news agencies.
Respect for Danish Sovereignty, Greenland Crucial: Denmark
On his Truth Social platform, Trump indicated that the U.S. and NATO had “formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” stating that he would not impose the tariffs initially scheduled for February 1st.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized the importance of handling the issue through private diplomacy, advocating for respect for the integrity and sovereignty of Denmark and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
Earlier in the day, Trump acknowledged the financial markets’ unease regarding his threats and reiterated his stance against using force. “People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force,” he stated. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.” This change in posture led to a surge in Wall Street, with the S&P 500 index experiencing its largest one-day percentage gain in two months.
Trump Dominates Davos Agenda
Trump’s comments on Greenland overshadowed his trip to Davos, where he took the opportunity to address various issues, from wind power and environmental concerns to immigration and geopolitics. He positioned himself as a defender of Western values, stating, “We want strong allies, not seriously weakened ones.”
While he downplayed the territorial dispute as a “small ask” over a “piece of ice,” he also highlighted U.S. military strength, referencing recent operations like the ousting of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
Trump’s remarks drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some uncomfortable looks and light laughter, but overall silence prevailed. His speech, however, did not adequately address his domestic challenges, particularly the low approval ratings regarding his handling of cost-of-living issues.
Sources have indicated that Trump’s interest in Greenland is tied to a desire to expand U.S. territory significantly, reminiscent of the acquisitions of Alaska and Hawaii in 1959. On Thursday, Trump was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as part of his efforts to garner support for his Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, despite concerns that it could undermine the United Nations.
(Reporting by Steve Holland in Davos and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin, Dave Graham, Ariane Luthi, Dmitry Zhdannikov, Mark John, Terje Solsvik, Stine Jacobsen, Soren Jeppesen, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Tom Little and Kanishka Singh; editing by Colleen Jenkins, Michael Perry, Christian Schmollinger)
Photograph: An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows the eastern coast of Greenland near Kulusuk. Photo credit: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images
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U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines on Wednesday by stepping back from his previous threats to impose tariffs as a means to acquire Greenland. He ruled out the use of force and hinted at a potential deal to resolve the dispute over the Danish territory, which could have led to a significant rift in transatlantic relations.
While attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump moderated his tone after weeks of rhetoric that had unsettled NATO allies and raised concerns about a new global trade war. Just days earlier, he had threatened to impose escalating tariffs on U.S.-bound exports from eight European nations.
Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed optimism about forging a new agreement regarding Greenland, a strategic island with a population of 57,000. He emphasized the importance of establishing a “Golden Dome” missile-defense system and securing access to vital minerals, all while countering Russian and Chinese ambitions in the Arctic.
Read more: EU ‘Fully Prepared’ to Hit Back Over Trump’s Greenland Tariffs
“It’s a deal that everybody’s very happy with,” Trump stated, describing it as a long-term agreement that would enhance security and mineral access for all parties involved. “It’s a deal that’s forever,” he added.
Rutte later clarified that the question of Greenland’s status within Denmark was not discussed during his talks with Trump. He noted, “That issue did not come up anymore in my conversations tonight with the president,” during an interview on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier.”
“He (Trump) is very much focused on what do we need to do to make sure that that huge Arctic region – where change is taking place at the moment, where the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active – how we can protect it,” Rutte added.
Scolding, Dismissive Threats
Earlier that day, Trump had delivered a lengthy speech filled with scolding remarks and dismissive threats aimed at countries already uneasy about his territorial ambitions. European diplomats noted that his sudden shift in tone, while not resolving the underlying dispute, helped ease tensions among allies as they sought to address their differences privately.
It remains uncertain what kind of agreement could satisfy Trump’s demands for outright “ownership” of Greenland, especially given that its residents and leaders have consistently stated that the territory is not for sale. A NATO spokesperson confirmed that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States would continue to ensure that neither Russia nor China gains a foothold in the region.
Trump announced that he had assigned Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff to participate in further discussions, although no specific date or venue for these negotiations was provided.
In response to the situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked, “What happens in Greenland is of absolutely no consequence to us,” as reported by Russian news agencies.
Respect for Danish Sovereignty, Greenland Crucial: Denmark
On his Truth Social platform, Trump indicated that the U.S. and NATO had “formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” stating that he would not impose the tariffs initially scheduled for February 1st.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen emphasized the importance of handling the issue through private diplomacy, advocating for respect for the integrity and sovereignty of Denmark and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
Earlier in the day, Trump acknowledged the financial markets’ unease regarding his threats and reiterated his stance against using force. “People thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force,” he stated. “I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.” This change in posture led to a surge in Wall Street, with the S&P 500 index experiencing its largest one-day percentage gain in two months.
Trump Dominates Davos Agenda
Trump’s comments on Greenland overshadowed his trip to Davos, where he took the opportunity to address various issues, from wind power and environmental concerns to immigration and geopolitics. He positioned himself as a defender of Western values, stating, “We want strong allies, not seriously weakened ones.”
While he downplayed the territorial dispute as a “small ask” over a “piece of ice,” he also highlighted U.S. military strength, referencing recent operations like the ousting of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro.
Trump’s remarks drew mixed reactions from the audience, with some uncomfortable looks and light laughter, but overall silence prevailed. His speech, however, did not adequately address his domestic challenges, particularly the low approval ratings regarding his handling of cost-of-living issues.
Sources have indicated that Trump’s interest in Greenland is tied to a desire to expand U.S. territory significantly, reminiscent of the acquisitions of Alaska and Hawaii in 1959. On Thursday, Trump was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as part of his efforts to garner support for his Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, despite concerns that it could undermine the United Nations.
(Reporting by Steve Holland in Davos and Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington; additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin, Dave Graham, Ariane Luthi, Dmitry Zhdannikov, Mark John, Terje Solsvik, Stine Jacobsen, Soren Jeppesen, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Tom Little and Kanishka Singh; editing by Colleen Jenkins, Michael Perry, Christian Schmollinger)
Photograph: An aerial photo taken on August 15, 2019 shows the eastern coast of Greenland near Kulusuk. Photo credit: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images
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