U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is backing away from threatened tariffs on European allies amid renewed efforts to pursue a deal involving Greenland, stating that a “framework” for an agreement has been reached. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the shift followed discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, though he did not provide details of the proposed framework.
Trump reiterated his long-standing interest in Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark, calling for immediate talks on a possible U.S. purchase. He stressed that the United States would not use force to take control of the strategically located Arctic island, which is rich in natural resources and holds growing geopolitical significance as climate change opens new shipping routes.
The president had previously suggested imposing tariffs on European partners as part of a broader pressure campaign linked to Greenland, remarks that drew criticism from European leaders. His latest comments appeared aimed at easing tensions with allies while keeping the idea of a negotiated agreement on the table.
Denmark has consistently rejected any suggestion of selling Greenland, emphasizing that the territory’s future can only be decided by its people. Greenland’s leadership has also repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale, though it remains open to deeper economic and security cooperation with international partners.
Trump’s remarks at Davos underscore how Greenland continues to feature prominently in U.S. strategic thinking, particularly in the context of Arctic security, competition with China and Russia, and transatlantic relations. While the nature of the claimed “framework” remains unclear, the comments signal a softer tone toward Europe and a renewed push for diplomacy rather than confrontation.

