Donald Trump claims he's reached a 'concept of a deal' with Greenland as he spoke in Davos, Switzerland.
The 79-year-old Republican has gone back on his threat to slap tariffs on the UK and NATO allies who opposed his ambitions to annex Greenland, after he and the alliance’s chief 'formed the framework of a future deal' for the Arctic region.
Earlier on Wednesday (21 January), Trump renewed his threats to secure the Arctic island, a self-governing territory of NATO ally Denmark, but ruled out the use of force to do so.
He had threatened eight NATO countries, including the UK, with new 10 percent tariffs as a result of their opposition to his ambitions for the mineral-rich territory, threatening to increase that to 25 percent from 1 June if a deal was not agreed.
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Following a 'very productive meeting' with NATO secretary general Mark Rutte on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump suggested he had now reconsidered.
Speaking to CNBC at Davos, he announced: "We have a concept of a deal. I think it’s going to be a very good deal for the United States, also for them.
"It’s a little bit complex, but we’ll explain it down the line. But the Secretary General of NATO, and I and some other people were talking."
On his Truth Social platform, Trump expanded: "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."
Following his post, Trump was asked by reporters if the deal would mean the US would gain ownership of Greenland.
"It’s a long-term deal. It’s the ultimate long-term deal, and I think it puts everybody in a really good position, especially as it pertains to security and minerals," he said.
Trump then claimed it was an 'infinite deal', though details of the agreement remain unknown.
During his Davos speech, Trump said he wanted 'immediate negotiations' to 'discuss the acquisition' of Greenland, claiming 'this would not be a threat to Nato' but would instead 'enhance' the alliance’s security.
Appearing to rule out taking the territory with military intervention, Trump told the crowd of world leaders: "We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force, where we would be, frankly, unstoppable.
"But I won’t do that. I don’t have to use force, I don’t want to use force, I won’t use force."
Topics: Donald Trump, Europe, News, Politics, US News, World News, UK News, Tariffs
Rhiannon Ingle