On January 21, U.S. President Donald Trump surprised many by stepping back from threats to impose tariffs on Denmark over Greenland. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would “not be imposing the tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1,” citing a “very productive meeting” with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. 🤝
Trump also ruled out using force to seize Greenland and hinted at a deal “in sight” that would benefit the United States and all NATO members. He mentioned ongoing talks about the Golden Dome missile defense system for the U.S. as it relates to Greenland, promising more details as negotiations progress. 🎯
The President named Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as the leaders on these negotiations, all reporting directly to him.
But not everyone is convinced the issue is settled. In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, locals voiced skepticism. Technician Mickel Nielsen, 47, told AFP: “Quite simply a lie. He’s lying. I don’t believe a word he says.” ⚠️
Greenlandic MP Aaja Chenmitz, one of Greenland’s two representatives in the Danish parliament, stressed: “NATO has absolutely no right to negotiate anything without us, Greenland. Nothing about us without us.” She called the idea of NATO deciding on Greenland’s future “completely insane.”
Meanwhile, the Greenland government issued an emergency preparedness handbook advising residents to stock up on at least five days of supplies—water, food, and sanitary products—in case of a crisis. 🏔️
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen accepted Trump’s invitation to speak directly about Denmark’s position, saying he’d talked with Rutte but declined to share details. Rutte told Fox News the question of Greenland’s status didn’t come up in his talks. 🤷♂️
As the February 1 tariff deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether this new framework can calm one of the hottest standoffs in transatlantic relations. Stay tuned! 📡
Reference(s):
Trump rules out force, tariffs, cites Greenland deal framework
cgtn.com
