Trump says 'framework' for Greenland deal ready, drops tariffs on European countries

US President Donald Trump has said that a “framework” is in place to acquire Greenland and announced that he would drop tariffs on European countries that opposed his plan to purchase the island nation.

“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,” Trump said on Truth Social.

He added that officials are currently discussing matters related to the Golden Dome and that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will be among those leading the negotiations from his team.

Trump said he would therefore scrap tariffs of up to 25 per cent that he had vowed days ago to slap starting February 1 on Denmark as well as close European allies that have sent troops to Greenland in solidarity, including Britain, France and Germany.

‘Won’t use military force’

The president also backtracked from his earlier suggestion of using military force to make Greenland a part of America. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said that the United States “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,” he added. “That’s probably the biggest statement I made, 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.”

Asked if the United States would gain sovereignty over the vast but sparsely populated island, Trump hesitated and then said, “It’s the ultimate long-term deal.”

“I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security, and minerals and everything else,” Trump said.

“It’s a deal that people jumped at, really fantastic for the USA, gets everything we wanted.”

‘Greenland sovereignty not discussed’

Meanwhile, Nato Chief Rutte has said that he did not discuss the key issue of Danish sovereignty over Greenland with Trump.

Rutte, speaking in a televised interview with Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier,” offered few details about the supposed “framework” for a deal announced by Trump after his talks with the NATO chief.

“We have a good agreement to really start working on these issues,” Rutte said, echoing comments earlier to AFP that much work remained to reach an actual deal.

With inputs from agencies