Trump drops tariff threat against Europe after Greenland talks with NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte
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US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he had shelved plans to impose fresh import tariffs on eight European countries, citing progress towards a prospective deal on Greenland and broader Arctic security. The decision came after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and was announced on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
The move follows amid Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland, the autonomous Danish territory he views as strategically vital for the United States and its allies. Earlier, he had warned of imposing steep tariffs on Denmark and seven other European countries if they declined to engage in talks on Greenland.
Explaining his decision, Trump linked the tariff rollback to discussions on a broader security framework for the Arctic region. “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,” Trump wrote. He said the proposed plan could benefit both the US and Nato allies. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st,” he added.
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Trump also said discussions were continuing what he referred to as “The Golden Dome” in relation to Greenland, without providing further details. He added that Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and other senior officials would lead the negotiations and report directly to him.
Call for talks with European allies on Greenland
Earlier in the day, Trump addressed the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, where he repeated his call for talks with European allies on Greenland.
He said his position did not threaten Nato and argued that the US was best placed to protect the region. “It’s the United States alone that can protect this giant mass of land, this giant piece of ice, make it safe for Europe and good for us,” Trump said.
Claims of security reasons in acquiring Greenland
Trump also stressed that U.S. interest in Greenland was driven by security concerns, not rare earth minerals, and said the U.S. would not use military force to take over the territory.
Denmark welcomed the decision to withdraw the tariff plan, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen calling it a positive development. “The day is ending on a better note than it began,” he said, adding that easing trade tensions would help improve relations.
The proposed tariffs were due to begin at 10% next month and increase to 25% by June. European leaders had strongly opposed the move, warning they would not yield to pressure over Greenland and would respond firmly if the tariffs were implemented.