Trump backs away from imposing tariffs on EU allies after Nato talks on Greenland
New Delhi, Jan 22: US President Donald Trump said Washington is exploring a potential deal on Greenland following talks with Nato, backing away from threats to impose tariffs on European allies that had opposed his plans to acquire the Arctic island. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the discussion with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte was “very productive” and had led to a “framework” for a future arrangement. “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,” he said.
Trump added that, “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st,” referring to proposed duties on several European countries.
He said further discussions were underway, with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff leading negotiations. Despite the softened tone, there was no indication of agreement on US “ownership” of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Diplomatic sources cited by US media said there was no deal on American control of the island. Speaking later in Davos, Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland but ruled out military force. “I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force,” he said.
Trump suggested any deal could involve mineral rights and broader Arctic security cooperation. “It’s the ultimate long-term deal,” he told reporters. “It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals.”
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen welcomed the easing of tensions, saying the day had “ended on a better note” and stressing the need to address US security concerns while respecting Denmark’s “red lines”, the BBC reported. Nato Secretary General Rutte said the issue of Danish sovereignty over Greenland was not discussed during his meeting with Trump. Greenlandic lawmakers, however, questioned Nato’s role in any talks involving the island’s resources, insisting that decisions must include Greenland’s elected representatives.
