U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he secured "total access" to Greenland through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in exchange for dropping plans to buy Greenland and withdrawing a tariff threat. Experts said it was an attempt to institutionalize influence in the military, security, and resources sectors instead of applying military and trade pressure.
On Jan. 22 local time, Trump disclosed the position after meeting NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte during his visit to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum (WEF).
According to Fox Business, Trump said in an interview in Davos on Jan. 22 local time, "We have secured total access to Greenland, and there is neither a time limit nor an end to it."
Trump said the access would enable his missile defense initiative "Golden Dome" and the securing of critical mineral resources. Previously, alongside remarks about buying Greenland, Trump shook the alliance by pressuring that Denmark would face high tariffs if it refused. The latest comments are seen as a signal that he has effectively withdrawn that tariff threat.
The United States and NATO are expected to discuss modernizing the U.S.-Denmark defense agreement signed in 1951 going forward. The agreement guarantees the United States the right to operate the Pituffik Space Force base in Greenland and to move troops and equipment freely.
Reuters, citing a source who requested anonymity, reported that "the United States, Denmark, and Greenland agreed to update the existing agreement through additional consultations among the three parties." There is also talk that the update could include provisions to limit strategic investments by China and Russia.
Secretary-General Rutte said, "To counter the threats from Russia and China, allies need to increase their contributions to Arctic security," adding, "I hope to finalize the details early this year."
Denmark and Greenland, however, the parties directly involved, moved to distance themselves from Trump's phrasing of "total access." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated, "Sovereignty is not up for negotiation."
Greenland Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen also said, "We welcome cooperation with the United States, but we can never accept any agreement that infringes on sovereignty," adding, "I was not even specifically briefed on what was included in an agreement concerning my country."
In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, some residents voiced confusion over the whiplash in diplomatic messaging, saying, "Until an hour ago it felt like we were on the brink of war, and suddenly they say everything is resolved."
Within European leadership, distrust remains over the abrupt diplomatic style Trump is pursuing. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned, "EU–U.S. relations have suffered considerable damage over the past week," adding, "Conflicts among allies only benefit adversaries."
Markets, however, breathed a sigh of relief as the withdrawal of the tariff threat and the exclusion of a possible military occupation were confirmed. European stocks rebounded, and major U.S. stock indexes also recovered to near record high levels that day.
Experts said the situation has calmed only temporarily, and structural issues remain. Mark Jacobsen, a professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, said, "During the Cold War, the United States already operated 17 bases in Greenland," adding, "An expansion of military activity itself is not new." He added, however, "The biggest questions ahead are how far the Golden Dome buildout, the exclusion of China and Russia, and the scope of resource development will be allowed."