US President Donald Trump has stepped back from earlier threats to use military force and impose tariffs as leverage to acquire Greenland, capping weeks of internal policy confusion that unsettled US allies, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
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Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, Trump ruled out the use of force to take control of the Danish territory after weeks of refusing to exclude the option. He also announced in a social media post that he would no longer proceed with tariffs he had threatened to impose from February 1.
White House officials had privately advocated a less confrontational approach, with several senior aides opposed to the idea of using military force to seize Greenland, the sources said. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.
After withdrawing the tariff threat, Trump said he had discussed Greenland and broader Arctic issues with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos, claiming the two had outlined a framework for a potential future deal. He said senior officials had been tasked with negotiating the matter further.
The episode highlighted Trump’s long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, which has repeatedly clashed with diplomatic realities. His second term has been marked by abrupt policy shifts, particularly on trade, often reversed under political, economic or market pressure.
Asked about internal resistance to military options, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the administration would follow the president’s lead, confirming that Trump had ruled out the use of force. She added that any agreement would aim to secure US interests in Greenland at minimal long-term cost.
In recent weeks, Trump had revived his push to acquire the Arctic island, arguing it was strategically vital amid growing global competition in the region. Leaders in Greenland and Denmark, which administers the territory, firmly rejected the proposal, stressing that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people and accusing Washington of intimidation.
Tensions escalated after Trump threatened tariffs on European allies unless the United States was allowed to buy Greenland — remarks that drew sharp criticism from European leaders. The tariff proposal reportedly originated from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other cabinet members.
The threat triggered alarm within the White House, forcing officials to scramble to assess the potential economic and diplomatic fallout. According to sources, agencies are still examining how retaliatory tariffs from the European Union could have unfolded.
Although some officials supported Trump’s strategic goal of expanding US influence in Greenland, others urged restraint. Senior figures, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Arctic Research Commission head Tom Dans, were said to favour a more moderate approach, while others were open to keeping tougher options on the table.
As a Danish territory, Greenland is already part of NATO, and the United States maintains a military base there. A 1951 agreement allows US forces broad access to the island for defence purposes, limiting the practical need for any takeover.
Last week, US officials hosted Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers in Washington for talks described as candid but constructive. According to sources, military action was not seriously considered during those discussions.
