New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday stepped back from threats to impose tariffs on several European countries over American control of Greenland
saying, a deal was in sight to end a dispute over the Danish territory.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, he wrote, “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.”
Calling the proposal a “great” solution for the United States and all Nato nations, Trump said he would not impose the tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st. Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” his post read further.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 02:27 PM EST 01.21.26 pic.twitter.com/VQlrlQHF5k
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 21, 2026
Trump’s threat of 10 per cent tariffs
The development came after Trump’s threat to impose 10 per cent tariffs on European countries risked the deepest rupture in transatlantic relations in decades.
According to a Reuters report, Trump’s rhetoric shifted after a meeting with Rutte at a Swiss Alpine resort. After the talks, Trump said Western Arctic allies could forge a new arrangement over the strategically important island that would meet US demands for missile defence and access to critical minerals, while blocking Russian and Chinese ambitions in the region.
“It’s a deal that everybody’s very happy with,” Trump told reporters. “It’s a long-term deal, the ultimate long-term deal. It puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and to minerals.”
“It’s a deal that’s forever,” he added.
Denmark says Greenland issue should be handled privately
Earlier on Wednesday, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump ruled out the use of force for the first time but called for “immediate negotiations” 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,” he said.
A Nato spokesperson told Reuters that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland and the United States would proceed with the aim of ensuring that Russia and China never gain an economic or military foothold on the island.
Responding to Trump’s latest policy reversal ahead of a deadline, Denmark said the Greenland issue should be handled privately rather than on social media.
“What is crucial for us is that we end this with respect for the integrity and sovereignty of the kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination,” Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR.
