Trump says framework reached on Greenland, Arctic region; tariffs paused

​​​​​WASHINGTON

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a framework for a deal involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region was established following his meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Davos, Switzerland.

"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.

"This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump did not provide details but said additional discussions are ongoing.

"Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st," he added.

Trump said additional discussions are being held concerning the Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland.

Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and "various others" will be responsible for negotiations, he said.

Last week, Trump said Washington would impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting on Feb. 1 and rising to 25% in June until there is a deal for "the complete and total purchase of Greenland."

European leaders rejected Trump's threats against the eight European nations, reiterated solidarity with Denmark, and vowed collective action.

Addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos earlier Wednesday, Trump ruled out military force to acquire Greenland.

“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable, but I won’t do that,” Trump said.

“That’s probably the biggest statement I made, because people thought I would use force, but I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force.”

Greenland has attracted Trump's attention due to its strategic Arctic position, extensive mineral resources, and alleged concerns about a growing Russian and Chinese presence.

Denmark and Greenland have rejected proposals to sell the territory, reaffirming Danish sovereignty over the island.

'This is forever'

Later, Trump told CNBC that he and Rutte have "a concept of a deal."

"I think it's going to be a very good deal for the United States, also for them, and we're going to work together on something having to do with the Arctic as a whole, but also Greenland," he said.

Trump said it will be a long-term deal.

"This is forever," he added.

When asked whether escalating tensions should be described as a "trade war" rather than a traditional war, Trump said, "I think so. I don't see us fighting with Denmark."

Meanwhile, Denmark's Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Wednesday rejected any deal and talks to transfer sovereignty in Greenland to the US.