WASHINGTON – In a significant geopolitical development, former President Donald Trump has revealed ongoing negotiations for the United States to secure “total access” to Greenland without any temporal restrictions. The announcement came during a Thursday interview with Fox Business, where Trump characterized the discussions as actively progressing toward a comprehensive agreement.
“We’re currently negotiating the specific details, but the fundamental principle is complete and perpetual access – no expiration date, no limitations,” Trump stated, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the proposed arrangement.
The disclosure follows Trump’s Wednesday announcement regarding a preliminary framework agreement reached with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte concerning Greenland and broader Arctic regional strategy. This diplomatic progress prompted Trump to suspend previously threatened tariffs against eight European nations, which were scheduled to implement on February 1.
However, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen swiftly countered Trump’s assertions, clarifying that Rutte lacks authorization to negotiate on behalf of Denmark or its autonomous territory. “Greenland’s future must be determined by Greenlanders themselves,” Frederiksen asserted on Thursday. “Our sovereignty is not subject to negotiation under any circumstances.”
The emerging conflict highlights escalating great-power competition in the strategically vital Arctic region, where melting ice caps are opening new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities. Greenland possesses substantial deposits of rare earth minerals and geopolitical significance due to its northern positioning.
This development represents the latest chapter in Trump’s persistent interest in Greenland, which previously included a 2019 proposal to purchase the territory – an offer Denmark promptly dismissed as “absurd.” The current negotiations appear to pursue alternative arrangements that would grant the US extensive rights without formal territorial transfer.
Diplomatic analysts suggest the proposal faces substantial obstacles given Denmark’s firm stance on Greenlandic self-determination and the complex trilateral relationship between the US, Denmark, and Greenland’s autonomous government.