US President Donald Trump has eased tensions with NATO allies by pausing threatened tariffs linked to Greenland, signalling a shift toward negotiations and private diplomacy after weeks of rhetoric that had raised fears of a major transatlantic fallout.
US President Donald Trump announced in a post on Truth Social on 22 January 2026 that he would not impose tariffs on the dispute over Greenland, easing tensions that had unsettled NATO allies and raised fears of a serious transatlantic rupture.
“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. 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 on February 1st,” wrote Trump.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump ruled out the use of force and signalled openness to a negotiated outcome, after weeks of rhetoric that included warnings of tariffs on US-bound exports from several European countries.
After meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump indicated that Western allies could negotiate a new arrangement on Greenland that aligns with US strategic priorities, including missile defence, access to critical minerals, and limiting Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. He also suggested a potential framework for future US.-NATO cooperation on Greenland and the wider Arctic as an alternative to imposing tariffs.
Allies cautious as talks move behind closed doors
Rutte later clarified that the question of Greenland’s sovereignty did not arise in his discussions with Trump, a sign that both sides were trying to de-escalate the issue. European diplomats said the softer tone does not resolve the dispute but helps avoid an open clash while allies privately attempt to manage their differences.
Denmark stressed that any dialogue must respect its territorial integrity and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination, urging that the matter be handled through discreet diplomacy rather than public statements.
Trump said further discussions would be led by Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and envoy Steve Witkoff, though no timetable was given.
Greenland’s government declined to comment, leaving open questions about how an agreement could satisfy US demands without challenging long-standing positions that the territory is not for sale.
Earlier, on 17 January 2026, Trump demanded the full purchase of Greenland from Denmark and announced a 10% tariff on imports from several European countries starting 1 February. He warned that the tariff would rise to 25% by 1 June if no agreement is reached.
