Frederiksen’s exhalation came as Trump sought to dial down weeks of incendiary rhetoric over Greenland, signaling openness to negotiations while retreating from threats of force or tariffs against European allies to grab the island.
Frederiksen also said Arctic security was a matter for the entire NATO alliance and welcomed discussions between NATO leadership and Washington, signaling openness to deploying the Golden Dome missile defense system, “provided that this takes place with respect for our territorial integrity.”
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump said he had “tremendous respect” for the people of Greenland and Denmark but added that “every NATO ally has an obligation to be able to defend their own territory.”
Later Wednesday, Trump said he and Rutte had formed a “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland” and backed down from his previous tariff threats against EU countries who opposed him on the issue.
Observers were relieved earlier Wednesday after Trump said he would not use “force” to obtain Greenland — but demanded “immediate negotiations” with relevant European countries.