US President Donald Trump has pulled back from a threatened round of tariffs on several European countries after announcing what he called a new framework agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region.
Trump made the disclosure after meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, saying the United States and NATO had reached an understanding with long-term strategic implications.
“We’ve formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump said, speaking later on Wednesday via his Truth Social platform. He described the development as significant for security, trade and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic.
The announcement appeared to ease tensions that had been building between Washington and European capitals over Trump’s earlier threat to impose new tariffs. The measures, which were scheduled to take effect on February 1 and targeted eight European countries, have now been suspended.
Confirming the reversal, Trump said the decision was linked to ongoing discussions with allies, adding that cooperation was preferable to confrontation. Several European governments, including Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands, welcomed the move, calling it a positive signal for transatlantic relations and economic stability.
Asked by reporters whether the new framework aligned with his long-standing interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, Trump said the matter was “a little bit complex,” but stopped short of making any claim of ownership.
Rutte also sought to dampen speculation, stressing that Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland was not part of the discussions. “Denmark’s position on Greenland was not discussed in our talks,” the NATO chief said.
Earlier in Davos, Trump attempted to reassure international audiences about his rhetoric on Greenland, saying the United States would not use force to take control of the territory.
“We have the strength to do things, but we’re not going to use excessive strength and force,” Trump said, emphasizing that diplomacy would guide U.S. actions.
The sudden suspension of the tariff plan marked a sharp shift from Trump’s earlier stance and eased fears of renewed trade tensions between the United States and Europe, at least for now.
