type: timeline_event
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump announces he has "formed the framework of a future deal" on Greenland after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and declares he will not impose the February 1 tariffs on eight European allies. Trump describes the framework as covering "Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region" and characterizes it as a "long-term deal" that "puts everybody in a really good position."
During his Davos speech, Trump also pledges not to use military force to acquire Greenland, stating: "People thought I would use force. I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force." However, he continues calling for "immediate negotiations" with Denmark on acquiring the territory.
The vague "framework" appears to involve granting the U.S. "total access" to parts of Greenland for an unlimited time period, including updating the 1951 defense agreement to ensure access cannot be restricted if Greenland gains independence from Denmark. When asked by CNN if the deal fulfills his desire to own Greenland, Trump calls it the "ultimate long-term deal" with duration lasting "for infinity."
NATO Secretary General Rutte confirms that Denmark's sovereignty over Greenland "did not come up" during his conversation with Trump, and that no actual document exists yet. NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart clarifies that Rutte "did not propose any compromise to sovereignty." Danish and Greenlandic officials immediately reiterate that Greenland remains not for sale, while European leaders express cautious relief that immediate tariff threats have been averted. Stock markets surge on the announcement after plummeting the previous day.