President Donald Trump doubled down on his desire to acquire Greenland, the territory controlled by Denmark, in his speech Wednesday at the World Economic Forum. Later in the day, he said there was a framework of a deal on Greenland in place.
Following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump shared online that they formed the “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland.” He noted that, “in fact,” the framework applied to the “entire Arctic region.”
“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” he wrote. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”
Trump said additional conversations were being conducted to discuss the “Golden Dome” and more information will be made available as discussions continue.
Earlier, in his remarks from Davos, Switzerland, Trump said he wants to get Greenland, including the “right, title and ownership,” but said he wouldn’t use force to do so.
“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,” Trump said at Davos, later adding, “That’s probably the biggest statement I made because people thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”
For weeks, the Trump administration has ramped up its talks about acquiring Greenland, which it states is necessary for U.S. national security as China and Russia are operating more aggressively in the Arctic region.
Leaders from Denmark and Greenland met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, D.C., last week to discuss the administration’s desire for the land.
Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly stated that the territory is not for sale and that they have a “fundamental disagreement” with the United States over the issue. The officials decided to create a working group to continue discussions about Greenland’s ownership, but the matter has sparked concern among the United States’ European allies.
European allies have rallied behind Denmark and are concerned that if the U.S. were to buy or invade Greenland, relationships with other allies would be threatened, as Greenland is a part of NATO.
Trump criticizes NATO
Still, Trump’s speech Wednesday hinged on his desire for the island for national security purposes and its rare earth minerals. He criticized NATO, claiming the U.S. has not been getting anything from the alliance and that it’s been funded through American money for years.
“What I’m asking for is a piece of ice, cold and poorly located,” he said. “It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades.”
Trump’s arrival in Davos was delayed after a minor electrical issue on Air Force One forced the aircraft to return to Washington. He will be participating in bilateral meetings with leaders from Poland, Belgium and Egypt, and then meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
During his remarks, he criticized Denmark for being “ungrateful” to the United States for help during World War II.
“Without us, you’d all be speaking German and a little Japanese, perhaps,” he said.
He then called for immediate negotiations for the U.S. to acquire the island, arguing that Greenland is not properly protected and there is no better country to have ownership of the land.