Breaking News: Trump says Greenland deal ‘framework’ reached
DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he is backing away from a planned tariff increase on several U.S. allies in Europe after reaching what he described as a “framework for a future deal” with NATO leadership focused on Arctic security and cooperation involving Greenland.
The reversal came only hours after Trump forcefully reiterated his desire for the United States to gain control of Greenland, saying he wanted “right, title and ownership” of the territory while insisting he would not use military force to achieve that goal. At the same time, he sharply criticized European allies and warned that NATO should not interfere with U.S. ambitions in the Arctic.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Trump characterized Greenland as strategically important despite calling it “cold and poorly located.” He argued that the United States has long carried the burden of European security, particularly during World War II, and suggested that his request was modest in comparison.
“It’s a very small ask compared to what we have given them for many, many decades,” Trump said. He added that while the U.S. would be “unstoppable” if it chose to use force, he had no intention of doing so. “I don’t have to, and I don’t want to,” he said.
Trump has frequently used pressure tactics in negotiations, and his comments raised alarm across Europe, where leaders warned the remarks could strain NATO — one of the world’s most durable military alliances since the Cold War. NATO members, including Denmark, have repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale and remains part of the Danish kingdom.
The president has long argued that U.S. control of Greenland is necessary to counter growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic, even though the U.S. already operates a major military base on the island.
Following Trump’s speech, a Danish government official told The Associated Press that Copenhagen is open to discussing U.S. security concerns but stressed that Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland is a “red line” that cannot be crossed.
Greenland’s government responded by urging residents to prepare for potential crises. Officials released a preparedness guide advising citizens to stock food, water, fuel and other essentials to last at least five days.
In Nuuk, resident Tony Jakobsen said he and others had already begun preparing. “We went to the grocery store and bought supplies,” he said, adding that while he viewed Trump’s remarks as mostly threats, “it’s better to be ready than not ready.”
Trump, meanwhile, issued a blunt warning to Denmark and NATO. “We want a piece of ice for world protection,” he said. “You can say yes, and we’ll be very appreciative. Or you can say no, and we will remember.”
He called for “immediate negotiations” over Greenland’s future but declined to name a purchase price, saying the real cost involved global and national security.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed Trump’s statement that military force was not under consideration but criticized the broader message. “This way of thinking about territorial integrity does not match the institutions we have,” he said, emphasizing that Greenland and Denmark are both NATO members with sovereign rights.
Trump also used the speech to contrast what he called a booming U.S. economy with a weakening Europe. “We want strong allies, not seriously weakened ones,” he said.
Trump’s arrival in Davos was delayed after a minor electrical issue forced Air Force One to return briefly to Washington to switch aircraft. As his motorcade traveled to the forum, some onlookers jeered and made rude gestures, though inside the venue the reaction was largely restrained, with polite applause from an audience of executives and global leaders.
After the speech, Trump met with leaders from Poland, Belgium and Egypt, again emphasizing that military action against Greenland was not being considered.
Still looming were Trump’s earlier threats to impose tariffs on Denmark and several other European allies if negotiations over Greenland did not move forward. He said the tariffs would begin at 10% next month and rise to 25% by June.
European leaders pushed back. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United Kingdom would not compromise its principles under tariff pressure, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that any trade retaliation would be “united and proportional.”
Economists cautioned that escalating tariff threats could disrupt the fragile U.S.-EU trade truce reached last summer, though U.S. markets recovered later Wednesday after earlier losses tied to investor concerns.
Trump’s speech was originally expected to focus on housing affordability and the cost of living, but Greenland dominated the address. He criticized Denmark as “ungrateful” for U.S. defense efforts during World War II and at several points confused Greenland with Iceland. He also argued that lowering home prices could make homeowners feel poorer by reducing property values.
Back in Nuuk, resident Johnny Hedemann said Trump’s remarks were offensive. “He talks about Greenland like it’s just an ice cube,” Hedemann said while shopping for emergency supplies. “Living here, you have to be prepared for almost anything. Now there’s another threat — and that’s Trump.”
Associated Press writers contributed reporting from Davos, Nuuk, and Washington.
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