Trump and NATO chief agree to Greenland meeting at Davos

Tuesday 20 January 2026 - 13:40

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump and NATO chief agree to Greenland meeting at Davos

President Donald Trump revealed a productive phone call with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday, focusing on Greenland and setting the stage for talks involving key stakeholders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This development intensifies a brewing transatlantic rift, as Trump underscored the territory's vital role in global security on his Truth Social platform, declaring no retreat possible and noting broad consensus on the matter.

In a bold move, Trump publicly shared what appeared to be private text exchanges with Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron. Rutte's message praised Trump's Syria actions and pledged collaboration on Greenland, expressing eagerness for a meeting. A NATO official verified the exchange's authenticity to The New York Times, prompting Trump to thank Rutte online.

Macron's leaked text voiced agreement on Syria and Iran but confusion over Trump's Greenland approach. A source close to Macron confirmed its legitimacy to CNN. These disclosures highlight escalating frictions amid Trump's unyielding stance.

The Davos forum, set to host Trump's Wednesday arrival and a speech alongside a signing ceremony for his Peace Council charter, now doubles as an emergency diplomatic venue. Denmark responded by deploying around 58 additional troops to Greenland on Monday, bolstering ongoing military drills. This follows Trump's noncommittal reply to queries about using force to seize the island.

Tensions mount with Trump's tariff threats against eight European nations: Denmark, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Finland. He announced a 10% duty on their goods starting February 1, rising to 25% by June 1 unless Greenland's full purchase is secured. France faces a potential 200% tariff on wines and champagnes after Macron's criticism.

Protests erupted over the weekend in Copenhagen and Nuuk under the banner "Greenland is not for sale," demanding respect for self-determination. Nuuk saw about 5,000 demonstrators, nearly 10% of the island's 56,000 residents. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned that pressuring Europe won't achieve Trump's goals, with both Denmark and Greenland rejecting any sale. A recent poll shows 85% of Greenlanders oppose U.S. annexation.