Greenland off-ramp is Trump’s latest NATO de-escalation

Published January 22, 2026 7:00am ET



The vague “framework of a future deal” between the United States and NATO regarding Greenland seemingly ends the latest President Donald Trump-inspired near-fracture of the NATO alliance for now.

Trump ruled out using military force to acquire the Arctic island during his speech at the Davos World Economic Forum on Wednesday. After a subsequent meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said, “We have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America and all NATO Nations.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.