Trump retreated from NATO tariffs over Greenland however could cross a pink line on US army bases there

[ad_1] President Donald Trump and NATO quickly defused a disaster over his try to take over Greenland, however particulars over the U.S. function on the semiautonomous Danish island may reignite tensions.

In an <a aria-label="Go to https://nypost.com/2026/01/24/us-news/trump-tells-the-post-well-have-everything-we-want-in-plan-to-gain-sovereignty-over-greenland-base-areas/" data-type="link" data-id="https://nypost.com/2026/01/24/us-news/trump-tells-the-post-well-have-everything-we-want-in-plan-to-gain-sovereignty-over-greenland-base-areas/" href="https://nypost.com/2026/01/24/us-news/trump-tells-the-post-well-have-everything-we-want-in-plan-to-gain-sovereignty-over-greenland-base-areas/">interview with the New York Post , Trump stated the U.S. will achieve sovereignty over components of Greenland that host American army bases—and take possession of that land.

“Yeah,” he instructed the Put up . “We’ll have every thing we would like. We have now some fascinating talks happening.”

However one of many proposals below dialogue wouldn’t entail U.S. possession of Greenlandic territory whereas nonetheless permitting sovereignty over bases, such because the Pituffik Area Base, the report added.

Such an association would mimic the sovereignty that the U.Ok. has over its army bases on Cyprus, a supply instructed the Put up .

The remarks got here days after Trump pulled again his menace to impose tariffs on a number of NATO nations except they supported his bid to regulate all of Greenland.

Following a gathering with NATO Secretary Basic Mark Rutte, he agreed to a “framework” on a future safety deal. Particulars have been sparse, however Trump indicated it could grant the U.S. “whole entry” to Greenland and would contain his “Golden Dome” missile-defense system.

On the time, a NATO spokesperson stated that Rutte “didn't suggest any compromise to sovereignty throughout his assembly with President Trump,” including that negotiations between Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. will proceed to make sure the island’s safety from Russia and China.

However Trump’s declare that the U.S. can have sovereignty in Greenland the place bases are situated could set off pushback from Europe.

On Thursday, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen was requested if U.S. sovereignty over small pockets of the island could be attainable. He replied, “we're prepared to barter a greater partnership and so forth, however sovereignty is a pink line.”

Equally, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated “we can't negotiate on our sovereignty” and added “I've been knowledgeable that this has not been the case.”

Her workplace didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon Trump’s interview.

Looming over negotiations on U.S. bases on Greenland is Trump’s unpredictability and tendency for sudden reversals.

The fragility of any agreements made by Trump was highlighted by the Greenland disaster, throughout which he additionally refused to rule out utilizing the U.S. army towards NATO allies.

Regardless of reaching a commerce take care of the European Union final 12 months that set most tariffs at 15%, he vowed to hit EU and non-EU nations with an extra 10% obligation that may rise to 25%.

Trump has additionally demonstrated a renewed eagerness to show to tariffs as a international coverage device. On Saturday, he stated the U.S. would impose a 100% tariff on Canada if it makes a commerce take care of China, days after he voiced his approval of 1.

It wasn’t clear from Trump’s social media submit on Saturday if his newest menace towards Ottawa would additionally take away the tariff exemption on imports lined by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada commerce pact.

As well as, he stated earlier this month the U.S. will impose secondary levies on nations that commerce with Iran as he seeks to squeeze Tehran amid anti-regime protests. That might blow up his tariff ceasefire with China, which imports oil from Iran.