Trump Unveils Framework for Potential Greenland Acquisition Following NATO Discussions
In a significant geopolitical development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a framework for a future deal concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region. This announcement came shortly after Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Details of the Proposed Agreement
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to share the news, stating, "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." He emphasized that this solution, if finalized, would benefit not only the United States but all NATO nations.
As part of this development, Trump has decided to pause trade tariffs that were previously threatened against European nations. These tariffs were scheduled to take effect on February 1, 2026, had no agreement been reached regarding control over Greenland, a sparsely inhabited and icy territory that is an autonomous part of Denmark.
Key Players and Negotiation Process
The negotiations will involve several high-profile U.S. officials, including:
- Vice President JD Vance
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Special Envoy Steve Witkoff
- Other government officials as necessary
These individuals will report directly to Trump, although no specific timeframe for the discussions has been disclosed. Trump also mentioned that "additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland," though further details on this aspect remain unclear.
Reactions and Context
As of now, there has been no official response from Mark Rutte, NATO, the Danish government, or European and Canadian allies following Trump's announcement. However, on Sunday, Rutte shared an update on social media regarding a discussion with Trump about the security situation in Greenland and the Arctic, indicating that work on this issue will continue in the coming days.
In his earlier speech at Davos, Trump insisted that the U.S. would not use force to acquire Greenland but criticized Europe's direction, stating, "Europe is not heading in the right direction." He reiterated the national security importance of controlling Greenland, calling it "this enormous unsecured island" and asserting, "That's our territory," highlighting its geographic connection to North America.
This move comes amid broader discussions on Arctic sovereignty and resource control, with Greenland's strategic location and natural resources making it a focal point in international relations. The potential deal could reshape geopolitical dynamics in the region, affecting alliances and economic policies.
