At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald Trump announced a framework agreement on Greenland with NATO, suspending planned tariffs on European nations and backing off threats of force. The deal emphasizes Arctic security and aims to counter influences from China and Russia, while Trump criticized U.S. allies like Canada for lacking gratitude toward American defense support. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted progress in discussions on regional security.
President Trump addressed world leaders at the annual World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, outlining a 'framework of a future deal' concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump stated, "It's a long-term deal. It's the ultimate long-term deal," highlighting benefits for security, minerals, and international stability. He emphasized that strategic national security, rather than rare earth minerals, drives the U.S. interest, noting, "We need it for strategic national security and international security."
Trump backed away from earlier threats to acquire Greenland by force, saying, "I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force." The agreement suspends additional tariffs Trump had planned against European countries opposing the push, alleviating market concerns over potential trade disruptions. Rutte affirmed that European NATO members would increase their military presence in the Arctic, expressing hope for implementation by early 2026: "I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026."
The discussions also incorporated Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense system to bolster regional defenses. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the talks as progressing, stating, "It is still a difficult and serious situation, but progress has also been made... Namely that we can discuss how we promote common security in the Arctic region."
Trump's remarks extended criticism to U.S. allies. He targeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had suggested the end of American dominance, responding, "Canada gets a lot of freebies from us... They should be grateful that Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements." Carney's speech described a 'rupture in the world order,' implying U.S. actions were unconstrained. Trump also urged Europe to strengthen defense and sovereignty, warning that without U.S. support post-World War II, "everyone would be speaking German and Japanese."
The framework, not yet finalized, will involve negotiations led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the approach, questioning threats like tariffs and base closures. Analysts see this as a muscular reassertion of U.S. leadership, raising questions about the future of alliances amid shifting global dynamics.
