Trump’s Greenland deal could include U.S. sovereignty over military bases, mineral rights

US President Donald Trump arrived in Davos on Wednesday seeking a deal that would increase U.S. control over Greenland’s security and the broader Arctic region, two former U.S. officials and a congressional official say in a new report.

Trump had publicly threatened to take control of Greenland, possibly by force and also threatened tariffs on European allies who opposed his plan. The pressure campaign created a major transatlantic crisis.

Ahead of his trip, Trump sent senior U.S. officials to Davos to lay the groundwork for a potential agreement. After meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump announced on Truth Social that the two had agreed on a “framework of a future deal” over Greenland and said he would not impose the planned tariffs.

Officials said Trump entered the meeting expecting to announce a broad framework, though negotiations remain preliminary and it is unclear whether a final agreement will be reached or what it might include.

Two former U.S. officials said Trump has discussed the possibility of adding U.S. troops and building more military bases in Greenland, particularly to support the Golden Dome missile defence system.

Trump later told audiences in Davos that he would not use military force to acquire Greenland, a position he had privately shared with advisers and allies beforehand. A European diplomat described the message to allies as “this wasn’t going to be Venezuela.”

An expanded NATO presence in the Arctic would be intended to send a stronger signal to China and Russia and support the Golden Dome system, the diplomat said.

Some of Trump’s close advisers reportedly urged him against using military force, according to current and former officials. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, outlined potential options and consequences of a military takeover, and Trump ultimately decided against it.

Denmark welcomed news of the framework deal but insisted it would not negotiate on its sovereignty. A NATO spokesperson also said Rutte did not offer any compromise on sovereignty during the meeting.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said the president is hopeful the deal will go through, claiming the U.S. would achieve its strategic goals in Greenland “at very little cost, forever,” and that details would be released as they are finalised.

Trump suggested before the meeting that Greenland could have a “reasonable price,” but did not provide figures. Previous reporting from NBC News has estimated Greenland could cost up to $700 billion.

In his Davos speech, Trump framed the issue as a choice for European leaders, saying the U.S. wanted “a piece of ice for world protection” and would remember those who refused.

U.S. allies have been searching for ways to satisfy Trump without surrendering Greenland, with officials hoping Davos would provide an opportunity for direct talks. One European diplomat said, “Everyone is looking for an offramp, but I think only President Trump knows what that could be.”