Breaking: Trump rows back on Greenland tariff threats after ‘deal’ talks with Nato chief

Following a “very productive meeting” with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Donald Trump suggested he had now reconsidered.

The US president had only earlier on Wednesday doubled down on his threats to secure the Arctic island, a self-governing territory of Nato ally Denmark, but ruled out the use of force to do so. Picture: Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images

Donald Trump has rowed back on his threat to slap tariffs on European allies who opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland, after he and Nato's chief “formed the framework of a future deal” for the Arctic region.

The US president had only earlier on Wednesday doubled down on his threats to secure the Arctic island, a self-governing territory of Nato ally Denmark, but ruled out the use of force to do so.

He has threatened eight Nato countries with new tariffs as a result of their opposition to his ambitions for the mineral-rich territory.

Following a “very productive meeting” with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mr Trump suggested he had now reconsidered.

On his Truth Social platform, the US president said: “We have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all Nato Nations.

“Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1.”

Mr Trump also suggested there had been talks on creating a missile defence system to ward off potential attacks by Russia and China from across the Arctic, something which he had dubbed the “Golden Dome”.

In his post, he said: “Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland. Further information will be made available as discussions progress.

“Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and various others, as needed, will be responsible for the negotiations — They will report directly to me.” 

In his speech at the World Economic Forum, the US president earlier said he wanted “immediate negotiations” to “discuss the acquisition” of the mineral-rich Arctic island, claiming “this would not be a threat to Nato” but would instead “enhance” the alliance’s security.

Appearing to rule out taking the territory with military intervention, Mr Trump told the gathering of political leaders and business chiefs in the Swiss Alps: “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. I don’t have to use force, I don’t want to use force, I won’t use force.”