Behind the dramatic headlines about Greenland, officials familiar with the talks say the proposal on the table is far narrower than a full takeover.
Instead of sweeping territorial control, the plan would see Denmark allow the United States to operate from limited, clearly defined areas of Greenland where American military bases could be built.
Think less annexation, more strategic footholds — a model insiders liken to Britain’s sovereign base areas in Cyprus.
Tariffs Dropped as Talks Break Through
The revelation came on the same day Donald Trump abruptly scrapped tariffs that were due to hit eight European countries.
The move followed what the former president described as a “very productive” meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
By Wednesday evening, Trump was declaring a breakthrough, saying the two sides had sketched out a framework covering not just Greenland, but the wider Arctic region.
Trump’s Big Picture: Arctic Security and NATO Unity
Posting on Truth Social, Trump framed the talks as a win for everyone involved.
He argued that closer coordination between the U.S. and NATO in the Arctic would strengthen collective security, particularly as global attention turns northward.
If finalized, he said, the agreement would benefit both America and its allies, presenting it as a shared strategic investment rather than a unilateral power play.
Golden Dome and Mineral Rights Enter the Conversation
Military bases aren’t the only issue on the table.
Trump confirmed that NATO nations would also be involved in his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, alongside discussions about access to mineral resources.
Speaking to CNBC, he suggested these elements were being negotiated together, with both the U.S. and its allies sharing in the benefits.
When pressed on how long such an arrangement might last, Trump’s answer was blunt: forever.
Keeping Russia and China Out of Greenland
NATO, for its part, stressed the broader geopolitical stakes.
In a statement, the alliance said talks between Denmark, Greenland and the United States would focus on ensuring that neither Russia nor China gains an economic or military foothold on the island.
That objective has been a constant refrain from Washington, where Greenland is seen as a critical piece in the Arctic security puzzle.
Who’s Handling the Negotiations
Trump said discussions are ongoing and named a high-powered team to lead them.
Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are all tasked with pushing the talks forward, reporting directly back to him.
Speaking from Davos, Trump promised that details of the deal would be made public “pretty soon,” insisting it delivers “everything we needed to get.”
A Softer Tone in Davos
Notably, Trump used his appearance at the World Economic Forum to dial back his earlier, more confrontational rhetoric.
He acknowledged that past comments about potentially using U.S. military power to secure Greenland had unsettled European leaders.
This time, he struck a different note, saying force was neither necessary nor desirable.
‘I Don’t Want to Use Force’
In remarks that drew visible relief from many in the room, Trump said he had no intention of using military strength to acquire Greenland.
While he insisted the U.S. could do so if it chose, he emphasized that diplomacy was his preferred route.
“I don’t have to use force, I don’t want to use force,” he said, framing the talks as a negotiation rather than a threat.
From Hardline Demands to Deal-Making
Just days earlier, Trump had brushed off concerns about upsetting NATO, telling reporters that the alliance depended on the U.S. more than the other way around.
He has long argued that America needs full control of Greenland to counter Chinese and Russian ambitions.
But his comments in Switzerland suggested a shift — an openness to an agreement that stops short of outright ownership.
Where It Leaves Greenland
As Trump and Rutte met on the sidelines of the forum, both sides acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue.
Greenland’s strategic importance is no longer in question, but the path forward now appears to be negotiation, not confrontation.
For now, the focus is on limited land access, shared defense projects and keeping rival powers at bay — a compromise that could reshape Arctic politics without redrawing the map.
What Comes Next
With tariffs paused and negotiators named, attention now turns to the fine print.
Trump insists the deal is close and broadly popular among those involved.
Whether Denmark and Greenland ultimately agree to the terms — and how the arrangement would work in practice — are the questions that will define the next phase of this high-stakes Arctic negotiation.
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