Trump claims to have reached a "framework" agreement with NATO on Greenland, temporarily not imposing tariffs on Europe and Canada, U.S. stocks and digital currencies surge, silver plummets

The Greenland crisis seems to have taken a turn, as U.S. President Trump suspended the tariff plan against European countries less than four days after threatening to impose tariffs. On Wednesday, the 21st, Eastern Time, Trump announced that he had reached a framework agreement with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg regarding Greenland, thereby postponing the planned tariffs on European countries that were set to take effect on February 1. According to Xinhua News Agency, Trump stated after meeting with Stoltenberg in Davos, Switzerland, that he would not impose tariffs on the eight European countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of Greenland as originally planned. Trump posted on social media that based on a "very productive meeting" with Stoltenberg, both sides had formed a "future agreement framework" regarding Greenland and the entire Arctic region. He claimed that if this solution is ultimately reached, it would be "beneficial for the U.S. and all NATO countries." The specific content of the framework agreement mentioned by Trump remains unclear. The White House has not responded to media requests for more information. However, the market quickly reacted to the prospect of easing U.S.-European trade tensions. Following the news of the framework agreement, U.S. stocks surged in the afternoon, with the three major indices reaching new daily highs and intraday gains expanding to over 1%. Silver prices dropped sharply, with New York silver futures hitting a daily low of $90.15 per ounce, a decline of over 4.7%, while spot silver also hit a daily low, falling below $90.40, down about 4.5% for the day. Gold futures and spot gold, which had previously risen over 2%, turned to decline. Cryptocurrencies experienced a V-shaped reversal during the session. Bitcoin briefly rose above $90,300, nearing its daily high, up over 3% from its daily low. Ethereum surged past $3,060, reaching a new daily high, rebounding nearly 7% from the one-month low of $2,870 set during Wednesday's U.S. stock market afternoon session. Tariff Threat Temporarily Lifted, Discussions on Missile Defense System In his social media post, Trump clearly stated that he and Stoltenberg "have reached an agreement on the future framework regarding Greenland and the entire Arctic region. If this solution is ultimately implemented, it will be greatly beneficial for the U.S. and all NATO member countries. Based on this, I will not implement the tariff measures originally scheduled to take effect on February 1." Trump then wrote that both sides are currently engaged in further discussions regarding the "Golden Dome" missile defense system related to Greenland, and more information will be provided as discussions progress. Trump stated that U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Presidential Envoy Robert Witkowski, and "other necessary personnel" will be responsible for subsequent negotiations, with these officials reporting directly to him. Trump had previously stated that U.S. control of Greenland is crucial for supporting the missile defense system Trump's post on Wednesday indicates that the danger of a US-EU trade war stemming from the Greenland issue is cooling down. Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. According to CCTV News, on Saturday, the 17th of last week, Trump announced on social media that starting from February 1, a 10% tariff would be imposed on goods imported from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, and claimed that the tariff rate would increase to 25% starting June 1, until the parties reach an agreement on the "comprehensive and complete purchase of Greenland" by the United States. Earlier this Wednesday, Trump stated during a speech at the Davos Forum that he would not resort to force to seize Greenland. According to Xinhua News Agency, during his speech at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said that Greenland is a "core national security interest" of the United States. He stated that he is seeking to initiate negotiations regarding the acquisition of Greenland immediately. He emphasized that "no other country besides the United States has the capability to control Greenland." CCTV reported that Denmark subsequently rejected Trump's request for "immediate negotiations" regarding the annexation of Greenland