President Donald Trump dropped news Wednesday that he's reached a "framework" of a deal over Greenland. The details trickling out from various sources paint an interesting picture of what's actually being negotiated, and it's more nuanced than Trump's earlier demands for outright ownership.

What's In The Framework

According to Axios, the framework discussed between Trump and NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte includes a clause recognizing Denmark's authority over Greenland. That's already a shift from Trump's initial insistence on full U.S. ownership.

The core of the proposal involves updating the 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement between the U.S. and Denmark, which originally allowed American military bases and defense areas on the island. The new version addresses enhanced security in Greenland, expanded NATO activities in the Arctic, and countering external influences from Russia and China. There's also language modification to include Greenland as part of the Golden Dome defense system.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told the publication that if finalized, the deal would secure all U.S. strategic objectives in Greenland permanently and at minimal cost.

The Wall Street Journal reported another key element: the U.S. may receive right of first refusal on Greenland's mineral investments, effectively giving Washington veto power to block Russian and Chinese involvement in the island's resource development.

Rutte, speaking with Fox News, mentioned that the proposal involves all NATO members, particularly the "seven Arctic allies," committing to safeguard the Arctic region. He noted the proposal incorporates Trump's vision and demands, though he stated the issue of Greenland's control wasn't discussed during their meeting.

Trump's Long Game

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump emphasized Greenland as a crucial U.S. national security interest, asserting that only America could effectively defend it. When media asked about Greenland's future status, Trump called it a "long-term" and "forever" deal. That's notable because he'd previously said the U.S. wants full ownership, dismissing options like leasing or defense-only agreements and arguing that true security requires outright control.

The timing is interesting too. The deal comes after Trump's abrupt withdrawal of tariffs on several European allies, which were initially threatened unless they supported his Greenland acquisition bid.

According to Trump, high-level talks with Denmark and Greenland should begin in the coming weeks, with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio involved in the negotiations.