US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he had held a “very good telephone call” with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, with discussions focused on Greenland, which Trump described as essential
to global security.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I had a very good telephone call with Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO, concerning Greenland. I agreed to a meeting of the various parties in Davos, Switzerland.”
He added that he had made his position clear during the conversation, stating, “As I expressed to everyone, very plainly, Greenland is imperative for National and World Security. There can be no going back — On that, everyone agrees!”
Trump went on to underscore his broader view of American power and military strength, writing, “The United States of America is the most powerful Country anywhere on the Globe, by far. Much of the reason for this is a rebuilding of our Military during my First Term, which rebuilding continues at even more expedited pace.”
He concluded by reiterating a long-held theme of his presidency.
“We are the only POWER that can ensure PEACE throughout the World — And it is done, quite simply, through STRENGTH!”
The post comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Washington and several European allies over Trump’s renewed push for American control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
Earlier, Trump said the United States would impose a 10 per cent import tariff starting in February on goods from eight European countries, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland, because of their opposition to American control of Greenland.
He warned that the tariff rate would rise to 25 per cent from June 1 if no deal was reached for what he described as the “complete and total purchase of Greenland” by the US.
According to the Associated Press, Trump appeared to signal that the tariff threat was being used as leverage to force negotiations with Denmark and other European governments over Greenland’s status.
In an earlier Truth Social post, Trump had said the United States was “immediately open to negotiation with Denmark and/or any of these Countries that have put so much at risk, despite all that we have done for them.”
The tariff announcement has raised concerns about a potential rupture in long-standing transatlantic relationships.
NATO, founded in 1949, has been a cornerstone of collective security for Europe and North America, and Trump’s latest moves risk straining ties with allies who have traditionally partnered closely with Washington.
European leaders warned that such measures could undermine transatlantic relations and trigger a “dangerous downward spiral,” while reaffirming their commitment to sovereignty.
Greenland has long featured in Trump’s strategic thinking because of its Arctic location and perceived importance to US national security.
The United States already maintains access to the island under a 1951 defence agreement, with a small American military presence supporting missile warning, missile defense and space surveillance operations.
