Trump Withdraws Tariff Threat After Greenland Talks With NATO Chief, Cites ‘Future Deal’

US, Jan 22 :  President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would not impose tariffs linked to Greenland following what he described as a “very productive” meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, citing the formation of a “framework of a future deal” involving Greenland and the wider Arctic region.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said discussions with NATO had led to an understanding on Greenland and Arctic security that would benefit both the United States and alliance members.

“We have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region,” Trump wrote, adding that the proposed solution would be beneficial for “the United States of America, and all NATO Nations.”

Based on this understanding, Trump said he would no longer proceed with the tariffs that were scheduled to take effect on February 1.

“This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations. Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect,” he said in the post, which was published from Davos, Switzerland.

The reversal followed Trump’s address earlier in the day at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting, where he reiterated his view that the United States needs to own the semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland for security reasons. However, for the first time, Trump ruled out the use of military force to take control of the island, saying he was instead “seeking immediate negotiations.”

Over the weekend, Trump had threatened to impose 10% tariffs on goods from eight European countries opposing his Greenland proposal, warning that the levy could rise to 25% if the US failed to acquire the territory. The prospect of tariffs on key European allies triggered alarm across European capitals ahead of the Davos summit.

Trump has argued that acquiring Greenland is critical to completing his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence shield and has urged NATO to support the move as a counter to growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic.

In his Truth Social post, Trump said discussions on the missile defence initiative would continue.

“Additional discussions are being held concerning The Golden Dome as it pertains to Greenland,” he said, adding that Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other officials would lead negotiations and report directly to him.

Earlier, Trump had said he would impose tariffs of 10% on “any and all goods” from several countries, including the UK and European allies, with the rate increasing to 25% from June 1 until a deal on Greenland was reached. Just two days ago, he told NBC News that he would follow through on the threat “100%.”