Donald Trump has announced a decision not to impose tariffs on significant NATO allies following the initial steps towards a Greenland agreement on Wednesday.
The announcement came from the US President after his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. This development occurred shortly after he reiterated his desire to take ownership of the autonomous Danish territory.
Although Trump initially expressed a strong interest in having the US own the Arctic nation completely, considering it ‘vital’ for US and global security, discussions with NATO may have led to a more moderate stance on the matter.
During his address, Trump remained firm on his initial goal, stating: “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable. But I won’t do that. “
“That’s probably the biggest statement, because people thought I would use force. I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force. All the United States is asking for is a place called Greenland.”
Previously, he had threatened to introduce tariffs, with some reaching up to 25%, against countries that opposed his Greenland acquisition plan.
However, shortly after his speech, the President seemed to reconsider, announcing on Truth Social that an initial deal had been reached with NATO.
He posted: “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.”
Although details about the potential agreement remain scarce, senior officials have suggested to the New York Times that it could involve the US acquiring areas of land for military bases, akin to an arrangement between the UK and Cyprus.
The primary objective of these negotiations is thought to be safeguarding Greenland from Russian and Chinese influence.
A NATO spokesperson commented on the proposed deal, stating: “Negotiations between Denmark, Greenland and the United States will go forward aimed at ensuring that Russia and China never gain a foothold — economically or militarily — in Greenland.”
At the World Economic Summit, Trump hinted that the U.S. would not completely own Greenland when asked directly about the ownership issue.