Trump claims Greenland framework would grant US 'total access'
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: President Donald Trump on Thursday, January 22, said a framework agreement involving Greenland would give the United States “total access” to the Arctic island, describing the arrangement as permanent and cost-free for Washington.
Trump said negotiations were still ongoing but claimed the US would secure broad military and strategic access under the proposed deal.
The comments followed meetings with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum. Danish leaders, however, reiterated that Greenland’s sovereignty is not open for negotiation.
Trump first announced the framework on Wednesday in a Truth Social post, saying he and Rutte had reached “the framework of a future deal” regarding Greenland. He also said he would not impose tariffs on European countries over their objections to his efforts to acquire the island.
Trump says deal would mean permanent US access
Speaking to Fox Business Network, Trump said the framework agreement would give the United States unrestricted access to Greenland with no expiration date.
“It’s really being negotiated now, the details of it. But essentially, it’s total access. It’s there’s no end, there’s no time limit,” Trump said.
He added that the US would not pay for the access.
“I’m not gonna have to pay anything. We’re gonna have total access to Greenland. We’re gonna have all military access that we want,” he told host Maria Bartiromo.
Trump also said that part of his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system would be placed on the island, citing national and international security concerns.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in a statement that the administration believes the deal would meet US strategic goals at minimal cost.
“If this deal goes through, and President Trump is very hopeful it will, the United States will be achieving all of its strategic goals with respect to Greenland, at very little cost, forever,” Kelly said.
Trump also said during his Davos address on Wednesday that he would not use military force to acquire Greenland, a position confirmed by US and European officials familiar with the discussions.
A European diplomat said US allies were seeking solutions that would address Trump’s security concerns without transferring sovereignty.
Denmark rejects sovereignty talks as NATO weighs Arctic security
Denmark pushed back against Trump’s claims, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen saying no negotiations had taken place regarding Greenland’s sovereignty.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. “It is still a difficult and serious situation,” Frederiksen said, adding that discussions were focused on strengthening common security in the Arctic rather than ownership of the island.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Reuters that discussions were centered on boosting Arctic security in response to concerns about Russia and China.
“I have no doubt we can do this quite fast. Certainly I would hope for 2026, I hope even early in 2026,” Rutte said, noting that NATO commanders would work through the operational details.
Rutte said mineral exploitation was not discussed during his meeting with Trump, and that negotiations involving the United States, Denmark and Greenland would continue.
Under a 1951 agreement, the US already has the right to establish military bases and move freely in Greenland with Danish and Greenlandic consent.
