Trump: We have established the framework for a Greenland agreement with the NATO Secretary General

US President Donald Trump stated, "Based on a very constructive meeting I held with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we have established the framework for a future agreement concerning Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. Within the scope of this agreement, I will not implement the customs tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1st."

US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made statements to the press before their meeting on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in the Swiss Alpine town of Davos. Expressing that they held comprehensive meetings with heads of state and influential figures in Davos, Trump said, "There are a few issues I need to discuss with the NATO Secretary General. We have been friends for a long time, and together we raised NATO's defense spending target from 2 percent to 5 percent. This was a joint effort and it was extremely successful."

Regarding his meeting with Rutte, Trump said, "We will discuss various topics. Greenland will also be on our agenda."

Rutte gives assurances to Trump on behalf of European allies

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, beginning his statement by addressing the rebalancing of burden-sharing within NATO in favor of the US, said, "The fact that Europeans were not paying as much as the US was a long-standing source of frustration. This issue is now resolved, and it is extremely critical because we need this money to protect ourselves."

Giving assurances to US President Trump on behalf of European NATO allies, Rutte said, "Yesterday and today, you said you were not entirely sure whether Europeans would come to help if the US were attacked. Let me be clear. They will come. They did so in Afghanistan as well. As you know, for every two US soldiers who paid the ultimate price, there was one soldier from another NATO country."

Rutte stated, "Therefore, you can be absolutely certain of this. If the US is attacked, the allies will definitely be with you. I give you an absolute guarantee, and I want to say this specifically. It pains me to assume that you think otherwise."

"The real cost of Greenland is security, and that is a very high cost"

When asked if NATO Secretary General Rutte's pledge that NATO allies would come to the US's aid if needed was reassuring, Trump replied, "I hope that is true. He is a good man and has never lied to me. We have a good relationship."

When asked by reporters about Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen's rejection of a negotiation offer for Greenland, Trump responded, "I have not spoken with him." Trump added, "They did not tell me this in person. They will have to tell me this to my face."

The US President, when asked if he had a reasonable price in mind for Greenland, replied, "I can think of such a price. However, the price in question here is security and safety. It is national security and international security. This is an issue that concerns many of your countries as well. That is the real price of Greenland, and it is a very high price."

Trump said, "As you know, we are building the Golden Dome. This is extremely expensive. In this respect, having Greenland is much better than not having it. This situation will create security; it will be strong. It will be better for both Europe and us. When I look at what is happening regarding Greenland, I cannot help but think. Because we want Greenland for security. We do not want it for anything else. We have enough rare earth elements. We do not need it for anything else here."

"We have established the framework for a future agreement regarding Greenland"

Trump later announced in a statement posted on his social media account that an agreement had been reached on the framework for an important deal regarding Greenland during his meeting with Rutte. Trump stated, "Based on my very constructive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we have established the framework for a future agreement regarding Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. If this solution is implemented, it will be very positive for the US and all NATO countries. Within the framework of this agreement, I will not implement the customs tariffs scheduled to take effect on February 1st."

Trump also reported that discussions are continuing regarding the "Golden Dome" defense system, which he emphasized is of high importance to US national security. The US President said, "Additional discussions regarding the Golden Dome are ongoing concerning Greenland. More information will be shared as the talks progress. When necessary, Vice President James David Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and others will be responsible for the negotiations. They will report directly to me."

10 percent customs tax sanction on eight European countries

In a statement on January 17, Trump had indicated that sanctions would be imposed on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland due to their stance on US efforts to acquire Greenland. US President Trump had said, "As of February 2026, a 10 percent tariff will be applied to all products sent to the US from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. On June 1, 2026, this value will be increased to 25 percent. This practice will remain in effect and must be paid until an agreement is reached for the full and complete purchase of Greenland."

News Source: 12punto