Trump Signals Framework Deal on Greenland Access With NATO
US President Donald Trump said he has secured total and permanent access to Greenland under a new framework deal involving NATO. Speaking on Thursday, Trump claimed the agreement gives the United States unrestricted and open-ended access to the Arctic island. He described the arrangement as having no time limit and said negotiations on details are still ongoing.
Trump made the remarks during an interview from Davos, where he is attending the World Economic Forum. He said the deal allows the US to advance its security goals in the Arctic. He also backed away from earlier tariff threats and ruled out using force to take control of Greenland. This shift eased immediate tensions that had been building between the United States and European allies.
The announcement triggered a rebound in European financial markets. However, it also raised questions about the long-term impact on transatlantic trust. Analysts say Trump’s comments have already shaken confidence among allies and businesses.
Details of the alleged deal remain unclear. Denmark has insisted that its sovereignty over Greenland is not negotiable. Danish officials did not immediately respond to Trump’s latest claims. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory under Danish control.
NATO Calls for Stronger Arctic Commitments From Allies
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance must now step up its commitment to Arctic security. He said NATO’s senior military commanders would work out the practical requirements for increased presence in the region. The focus is on countering perceived threats from Russia and China.
Rutte said he hopes the enhanced security framework could be operational by early 2026. He stressed that discussions are ongoing and that implementation could move quickly. He added that the Arctic has become strategically critical due to climate change, new shipping routes, and geopolitical competition.
Trump earlier suggested a deal could satisfy US demands for missile defense coverage under a proposed “Golden Dome” system. He also linked Greenland to concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Rutte, however, said mineral exploitation was not discussed during his meeting with Trump.
Any specific negotiations on Greenland will involve the United States, Denmark, and Greenland’s own authorities. A 1951 agreement already allows the US to build bases and operate freely in Greenland, provided Denmark and Greenland are informed.
Denmark Pushes Back as Europe Reassesses US Relations
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said no talks had taken place about Greenland’s sovereignty. She described the situation as serious and difficult but said progress had been made in shifting the discussion toward shared Arctic security.
Experts noted that the US already had far greater military activity in Greenland during the Cold War. Marc Jacobsen of the Royal Danish Defence College said current agreements already allow extensive US access. He expects future talks to focus on missile defense and keeping Russia and China out of Greenland.
The Greenland episode has deeply unsettled European leaders. EU diplomats told Reuters that trust in the United States has been damaged. Many believe Europe must rethink its reliance on Washington in security and trade.
Some residents in Greenland expressed cautious relief. Tour guide Ivi Luna Olsen said Trump’s earlier talk of force was frightening. She welcomed signs of de-escalation but remained wary of sudden policy shifts.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Greenland was not Russia’s concern. China’s foreign ministry dismissed claims of a China threat as groundless.
Business leaders remain uneasy. German trade association head Dirk Jandura warned that Trump’s unpredictability is hurting confidence. He said sudden policy reversals pose serious risks to global trade and economic stability.
