During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump said he wanted strong relations with Europe and withdrew earlier tariff threats, while continuing to argue that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, according to the Guardian.
After weeks of escalating rhetoric that included threats of tariffs and references to possible military action, Trump said he did not want to use force and announced what he called a «framework of a future deal» concerning the island.
He said he still wanted Greenland «including right, title and ownership,» but later described the proposal as only a «concept of a deal» and provided few details. Trump also confirmed that discussions were continuing on a U.S. missile defense system partly based in Greenland.
Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed the easing of tensions and said Denmark was prepared to discuss U.S. security concerns in the Arctic while maintaining its «red lines.» Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also welcomed the move, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte cautiously warned that significant work remained.
Media reports suggested the proposal could involve the U.S. gaining sovereignty over limited areas hosting military bases and access to rare earth minerals without Danish approval, though it remains unclear whether Denmark has agreed to any deal.
Analysts linked Trump’s shift to recent market volatility, noting that global shares fell after his earlier comments and rebounded following the announcement.
