Newsroom
After dialing back earlier threats to seize Greenland by force or impose tariffs, U.S. President Donald Trump is now pointing to a broader, long-term framework with NATO allies that would deepen American military, economic, and strategic involvement in the Arctic without changing Greenland’s sovereignty.
Speaking from Davos and later in media interviews, Trump said discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte produced what he called a “framework agreement” focused on Arctic security, missile defense, and access to critical minerals in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
While details remain limited, officials familiar with the talks say the plan would update the 1951 U.S.-Denmark defense agreement, which allows the United States to operate military bases in Greenland and establish defense zones when NATO deems it necessary.
The proposed framework includes expanding NATO’s role in the Arctic, strengthening security infrastructure on the island, and developing Greenland’s mineral resources, a growing priority as global competition for rare earths and strategic raw materials intensifies.
Trump said the agreement would also link Greenland to the so-called “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, a system aimed at countering long-range missile threats.
“They will participate in the Golden Dome, and they will participate in the mineral rights, just like we do,” Trump said in an interview with CNBC, adding that the arrangement would last “indefinitely.”
NATO Secretary General Rutte confirmed that sovereignty over Greenland was not part of the discussions, stressing that the talks focused instead on protecting the Arctic amid increased activity by Russia and China.
“The question of who controls Greenland did not come up,” Rutte said in an interview with Fox News. “What we discussed is how to safeguard this vast Arctic region, where strategic dynamics are rapidly changing.”
Denmark welcomed the shift in tone and substance. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Copenhagen is open to negotiations on security, investment and economic cooperation, including missile defense, as long as Denmark’s territorial integrity is respected.
“We can negotiate on all political issues, security, investment, and economy,” Frederiksen said in a statement. “But we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty. I was informed that this did not happen.”
Frederiksen confirmed she was in contact with Rutte before and after his meeting with Trump and said NATO is fully aware of Denmark’s position.
The Arctic has taken on renewed geopolitical importance as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources, drawing increased attention from major powers.
