President Donald Trump has stated that he no longer plans to impose tariffs on European countries that had opposed his ambitions for the US to acquire Greenland. In a social media post, Trump shared that this decision follows a very productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Trump described the potential deal as a beneficial one for the United States and all NATO nations, asserting that it could involve mineral rights and the planned Golden Dome missile defense system.
Announcing his decision on Truth Social, Trump indicated that more details would be shared as discussions progress, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff would report directly to him on negotiations.
Previously, Trump threatened to place a 10% tariff on goods sent from the UK to the US, increasing to 25% if no agreement was reached concerning the purchase of Greenland. This tariff would extend to goods from several NATO member countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
During an earlier address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump reiterated his desire for immediate negotiations to acquire Greenland but declared he would not employ any forceful means.
French President Emmanuel Macron criticized the previous tariff threats, calling them fundamentally unacceptable, while Trump countered by emphasizing that he had warned Macron about drug pricing.
Existing agreements with Denmark grant the US military presence on the territory, as more than 100 personnel are stationed in Greenland. Yet, Trump has made it clear he seeks full ownership rather than a lease agreement, showcasing the significance of Greenland's rare earth mineral deposits to his administration's discussions.
