Trump's Greenland torpedo: Negotiations for full access – "There is no end, no time limit"

The statements made by Donald Trump regarding Greenland are causing severe geopolitical turbulence, as the US President revealed that negotiations are currently underway for "full access" to the island, without a time limit or a predetermined end. Speaking to Fox Business, Trump directly linked Greenland to US national security, leaving open the scope and duration of an agreement that he stated is already taking shape. This declaration comes just one day after his retreat—from the World Economic Forum stage in Davos—concerning plans to impose heavy tariffs on European countries as part of his effort to acquire Greenland. The President stated that the US and NATO have reached a "framework for a future agreement" regarding American access to the territory.

Unlimited full US access to Greenland on the table

In more detail, speaking to Fox from Davos, the American President revealed that the deal under negotiation concerns "full access" for the US to Greenland. Trump made the announcement during a conversation with Fox journalist Maria Bartiromo, reiterating his claims that the US must maintain a presence in Greenland for national security reasons. "Everything passes over Greenland. If the bad guys start shooting, it goes through Greenland," Trump said. "It is truly priceless. It’s impressive. You know, Ronald Reagan had this idea a long time ago, but the technology wasn't there then. The conception was excellent, but there was no technology. Now we have incredible technology."

The "purchase" of Greenland

"So, what are we talking about? A buyout of Greenland? Will you pay for it?" Bartiromo pressed, only to receive a response from Trump: "I mean, we’re talking about something that is actually being negotiated right now, its details, but essentially it’s about full access. There is no end, there is no time limit." This indicates a shift in the administration's diplomatic strategy toward a permanent operational status rather than a simple real estate transaction.

Meeting with NATO's Rutte

"Based on a highly productive meeting I had with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, we formed the framework of a future agreement regarding Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic region," Trump wrote on social media Wednesday night (January 21, 2026). Trump mentioned that the agreement, once finalized, "will be great for the United States of America and for all NATO member states," adding that this understanding led him to the decision to freeze the planned tariffs. "Based on this understanding, I will not impose the tariffs that were due to take effect on February 1," he stated.

The Cyprus model

As reported by "The Telegraph," according to the draft agreement, the United States would control parts of Greenland, designating them as sovereign base areas—effectively American territory within the Arctic region. The framework, which the British newspaper comments mimics the UK-Cyprus agreement, aims to soothe Denmark’s fears that the US is preparing to annex the semi-autonomous region. The Cyprus-UK style plan is seen as a creative solution to Trump’s demands for ownership of the island, which he considers strategically vital for America's defense.

Sovereign base areas and the "Golden Dome"

The terms of the UK's agreement with Cyprus grant Britain sovereignty over two military bases for strategic purposes, while simultaneously providing Cypriots in those areas with rights similar to those in other parts of the state. Based on this model, the US would be able to develop and operate military infrastructure in Greenland and conduct intelligence and training operations, while maintaining unlimited "freedom of movement" between designated defense areas by air, land, and sea. Theoretically, the proposed new framework would allow the US to control certain areas of Greenland that may be mineral-rich without needing permits. Consequently, the proposal would also make it easier for the US to station assets belonging to its future "Golden Dome" defense system in the region.

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