Trump Says Greenland Deal Framework Taking Shape After NATO Talks

United States (US)President Donald Trump has stated that USA is exploring a potential future arrangement involving Greenland and the wider Arctic region after what he described as a “very productive” meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

In a statement posted online, Trump claimed the talks produced a “framework of a future deal” and argued that, if finalized, it would benefit both the United States and NATO members.

He added that, based on this understanding, he would pause tariffs that were due to take effect on February 1, ending what had been shaping up as a fresh trade dispute with several European partners.

Trump did not lay out the specific terms of the framework, and there was no clear indication that any proposal would satisfy his earlier demand for US “ownership” of Greenland. Diplomatic sources cited in media reports said there was no agreement for American control or ownership of the self-governing Danish territory.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen responded cautiously, saying the day ended on a more positive note and suggesting Denmark was willing to discuss US security concerns in the Arctic, but only within what he called Denmark’s “red lines”.

After the NATO meeting, Trump told reporters the discussions could include access to mineral resources and broader security cooperation. He also said talks were continuing on his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense concept as it relates to Greenland, suggesting NATO allies could potentially be involved.

NATO’s leadership, meanwhile, stressed that the conversation remained focused on preventing strategic rivals from gaining influence in the region. A NATO spokesperson said future talks between Denmark, Greenland and the US would aim to ensure Russia and China do not establish an economic or military foothold in Greenland.

Not everyone in Greenland welcomed NATO’s apparent involvement. A Greenlandic lawmaker in Denmark’s parliament criticized the idea of outside parties negotiating matters tied to Greenland without its direct input, arguing that decisions about the territory should not be made without Greenland at the table.

The episode follows weeks of escalating rhetoric from Trump, who had publicly pushed for negotiations to bring Greenland under US control while saying he would not use military force. He had also threatened sweeping tariffs on multiple European countries as leverage, warnings that he has now put on hold, at least for the moment, as talks continue.