Trump Reveals Framework Deal for Greenland Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Thu Jan 29 2026 18:58:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump announces a potential framework for a future deal regarding Greenland, amidst U.S.-Denmark tensions and statements from international leaders.

In a surprising announcement, President Trump revealed a framework for negotiations concerning Greenland, following discussions at the World Economic Forum. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that sovereignty over the territory is non-negotiable. The deal's details remain unclear, but U.S. interests in military presence and local resources are at the forefront of the discussion.

US President Donald Trump has announced that there is a framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland. The statement, made public after a series of tensions, highlights the United States' ongoing interest in the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.

Trump's declaration follows an unexpected climb in diplomatic tensions, which included threats to impose economic sanctions on several U.S. allies opposing the acquisition of Greenland. This has raised questions about what the deal might entail and whether it would be acceptable to both Denmark and Greenland, who have expressed definitive intentions to maintain their sovereignty.

On Wednesday, after meetings at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump shared via his Truth Social media platform that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte are developing a framework for this potential agreement. No specific details were revealed, but he assured that discussions would continue.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has made it clear that negotiations can only occur around political, security, and economic matters, but not about their sovereignty. Similarly, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen articulated readiness to discuss enhanced cooperation with the U.S. while emphasizing that sovereignty is a red line.

Speculation around the deal suggests it could involve Denmark ceding authority over select areas for U.S. military bases, akin to the UK's control over certain territories in Cyprus. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected any suggestion of relinquishing sovereignty.

With the U.S. already maintaining a military presence in Greenland since World War Two, discussions are now looking into the possibility of renegotiating existing agreements around U.S. troops stationed on the island. Despite ongoing discussions, President Trump insists that ownership is key, stating that defending Greenland requires ownership, not mere leasing.

This situation has escalated into a nuanced diplomatic challenge as international leaders assert their stances, and analysts scrutinize the implications for NATO and security in the Arctic region.