“The ultimate long-term deal.” The first details about the last-minute deal on Greenland, given by Trump just as he was leaving Davos
President Donald Trump walks down the stairs after a meeting at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2026. PHOTO: Markus Schreiber / AP / Profimedia
US President Donald Trump gave assurances on Wednesday that the draft agreement proposed for the future of Greenland gives the United States “everything it wanted”, without specifying whether this would translate into the entry of the island into the possession of America, which was his initial request, write AFP, Sky News and CNN.
Asked by CNN in Davos if the earlier framework agreement fulfills his desire to own the Arctic island, Trump paused to think, then echoed: “It's a long-term deal.” “They give us everything we needed,” the American leader added.
“It's the ultimate long-term deal. And I think it puts everybody in a very good position, especially in terms of security, minerals and everything else,” Trump said as he left the summit in Davos, Switzerland.
Trump later described the deal as an agreement that meets his demands for control of Greenland.
The US president also responded to a question by saying the deal had “no time limit” and would last “forever”.
Trump said he had spoken with other European leaders about the deal, but that nothing had been signed yet.
The head of NATO, on the agreement on Greenland: “It is exactly to the point”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said US President Donald Trump's post on Truth Social about reaching a “framework” for a deal on Greenland was “right on point”.
“His post on Truth Social is exactly to the point and I totally agree with that,” Rutte told reporters, saying he had a “very good meeting” with Trump.
Pressed for further details, Rutte said: “Read the post on Truth Social.”
“You will see everything,” Rutte added. “There will be other discussions”, the head of NATO stated.
“Framework for a future agreement” for Greenland and the entire Arctic region
Trump announced Wednesday evening, after the meeting in Davos with Rutte, that he had established with him the “framework of a future agreement” regarding Greenland.
After talks with the NATO chief, Trump withdrew his threat to impose tariffs on goods exported by some European countries over their stance on Greenland, saying he had agreed the principles of a deal with NATO on the island's future.
Donald Trump waives tariffs against European states. New announcement about the future of Greenland, after a discussion with the head of NATO
Donald Trump also announced the negotiators he will send to the talks with the European partners.
“Based on a very productive meeting I had with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we have established the framework for a future agreement regarding Greenland and indeed the entire Arctic region. This solution, if finalized, will be an excellent one for the United States of America and for all NATO countries. Based on this agreement, I will not impose the tariffs that were to take effect on February 1. Further discussions are underway regarding the Golden Dome, as it relates to Greenland. Additional information will will be available as the talks move forward. Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and others as needed will be responsible for the negotiations — reporting directly to me,” the White House leader wrote in his post on Truth Social.
Trump on Saturday threatened eight countries (Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland) with tariffs of 10% from February 1, which would have increased to 25% from June 1, causing a crisis in transatlantic relations.
Following this threat, Germany withdrew its 15 soldiers sent to Greenland on Sunday. Norway and the Netherlands, which each sent two soldiers to the Arctic island, also announced that they would be withdrawn.
Also on Wednesday, in a tough speech at the Davos Forum after a round of criticism from allies, the US president said the US wanted “immediate negotiations” to discuss the purchase of Greenland.
Trump announces for the first time that he will not use force in Greenland, but “demands immediate negotiations to acquire this huge piece of ice”
He ruled out the use of force in his attempt to control Greenland, but stated that no other country could ensure the security of Danish territory.
“People thought I was going to use force, but I don't have to,” Trump said at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. “I don't want to use force. I won't use force,” he added.
