President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is canceling planned tariffs on U.S. allies in Europe after agreeing with NATO leaders on a “framework of a future deal” related to Arctic security and Greenland.
Earlier, Trump had reignited his controversial proposal to acquire Greenland, calling the territory “cold and poorly located” but insisting he would not use military force to do so. He framed the request as a matter of national security, arguing that the U.S. had effectively protected Europe during World War II and suggesting NATO should not block American expansion.
“We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force… but I won’t do that,” Trump said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He added, “I don’t have to” and “I don’t want to use force.”
Trump’s statements appear to be part of his broader negotiating strategy, using pressure and public statements to gain leverage while maintaining the appearance of restraint. The framework with NATO eases diplomatic tensions and halted planned European tariffs, which had been set to begin February 1, drawing a positive reaction from financial markets.
