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Trump outlines framework for Arctic agreement after NATO talks
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Washington and NATO allies have established the groundwork for a future agreement concerning Greenland and the broader Arctic region. The statement followed discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, marking a shift from earlier threats of trade tariffs against European nations opposing U.S. ambitions in Greenland.
No deal on sovereignty, but mineral rights and security on the table
Trump revealed few specifics about the potential agreement but suggested it could involve mineral rights and enhanced security cooperation. Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds strategic importance due to its location and vast reserves of rare earth minerals, which are critical for technologies like smartphones and electric vehicles.
Speaking to reporters in Davos, Switzerland, Trump described the prospective deal as a "long-term" arrangement that would benefit both the U.S. and NATO allies. "It's the ultimate long-term deal," he said. "It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals."
However, diplomatic sources told CBS News that there is no agreement on U.S. ownership or control of Greenland. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart later clarified that negotiations would aim to prevent Russia and China from gaining economic or military influence in the region.
Denmark and Greenland react cautiously
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen welcomed the de-escalation, stating, "The day is ending on a better note than it began." He emphasized Denmark's willingness to address U.S. security concerns in the Arctic while respecting the kingdom's sovereignty.
Greenlandic lawmaker Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, however, questioned NATO's role in discussions about the island's mineral wealth. "NATO in no case has the right to negotiate on anything without us, Greenland. Nothing about us without us," she said.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated on Thursday that while Denmark is open to negotiations on security, investments, and economic matters, sovereignty remains non-negotiable.
Military presence and historical precedents
Under existing agreements, the U.S. already maintains a military presence in Greenland, including over 100 personnel at the Pituffik base in the northwest. Reports suggest the new framework could allow for additional U.S. military installations, potentially modeled after the British sovereign bases in Cyprus.
Trump had previously dismissed the idea of leasing Greenland, insisting that "you defend ownership. You don't defend leases." However, he ruled out the use of military force to acquire the territory during his speech at the World Economic Forum.
Tariff threats withdrawn after NATO meeting
Trump had earlier threatened to impose a 10% tariff on goods from several NATO allies-including the UK, Denmark, and Germany-beginning February 1, escalating to 25% by June if no deal on Greenland was reached. Following his meeting with Rutte, Trump announced on Truth Social that he would not proceed with the tariffs, citing progress in discussions.
"Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st," he wrote.
International reactions and tensions
Trump's remarks at Davos drew mixed reactions from global leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump's earlier tariff threats as "fundamentally unacceptable," while Trump accused France of taking advantage of the U.S. for decades.
In a separate exchange, Trump targeted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who had called for middle powers to unite against U.S. policies. "Canada lives because of the United States," Trump said. "Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements."
Next steps and uncertainties
Trump appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to lead negotiations, reporting directly to him. While the framework for a deal appears to be in place, details remain scarce, and the involvement of Greenlandic authorities adds a layer of complexity to the discussions.
