Helena Humphrey

I asked our correspondent in Washington, Helena Humphrey, what we know about this potential deal. I think it's fair to say there was a sigh of relief, I'm sure, from European leaders in Davos. But that will be replaced by so many question marks right now. Because we just don't know exactly what Donald Trump is coming away with. He hasn't put any more flesh on the bone when it comes to those details. And so if you take a look at the language on Truth Social, he called this a framework for a deal.

This implies negotiations. How long will they go on for? What's in a framework? Will this have to go through Congress for approval, depending on what is in this? I think perhaps we could see greater Arctic cooperation. That might be something that he might tout as a win to the American public as some kind of perhaps off-ramp here. But it is also worth remembering Denmark has long said and has repeated in recent weeks that

The United States can also always upgrade the number of troops that it has on Greenland. That has been in place under an agreement since 1951. And so we are waiting to find out still what exactly is new here. Helena, what's been the reaction to this whole episode from inside the United States? You mentioned a sigh of relief coming from European leaders. How are Americans reacting?

I think there is a sigh of relief all round. I think some people were feeling quite bewildered by this. I think, as you say, people's heads have been spinning. They've been wondering what exactly has happened the past few hours. But I think there's also a note of caution here in the United States as well, because Donald Trump's own language is telling on this.

He have said it would be a great deal if it's consummated. This is conditional. It suggests that this is less a final settlement, but perhaps more of a tactical pause here. Donald Trump is seeing this as a win. He's keeping that leverage. But I think both in Congress on Capitol Hill and among the US public, they know that Donald Trump is someone who can leave that door open to reapply pressure if he doesn't get the deal that he's looking for.

I think it's very interesting. I think Mark Rutter has a warmer relationship with Donald Trump than some other European leaders. Donald Trump recently has been leaking private messages and he seems to have warmer exchanges with Mark Rutter. And what we saw today was Mark Rutter trying to reassure Donald Trump that

NATO would absolutely be there for the defense of America, were that the case. Because remember, during that Davos speech from President Trump, he said, I'm not even sure that NATO allies would be there for us. And I think that was difficult for NATO allies to hear, because as we all know, the one time that Article 5 was triggered, you know, an attack on one is an attack on all, was in the wake of 9-11.

I appreciate that we don't know all the details of what's been agreed, but has this whole episode weakened Donald Trump?

That's a very good question. I think essentially it just means that Europeans are in a position where they remain wary of where the transatlantic relationship stands right now. That has reinforced perhaps some of their questions and doubts. The fact that they are seeing very clearly that security and trade are linked, that tariffs are used as leverage even against Europe.

I think it reinforces the idea that Donald Trump can be a very unpredictable leader and I think actually that unpredictable nature is making him seem and appear to be such a powerful negotiator on the world stage.

Sorry?

Sorry?

Sorry?

I like the sound of skipping a rock on a frozen pond or river. I'm here in Canada and it sounds out of this world.

I like the sound of skipping a rock on a frozen pond or river. I'm here in Canada and it sounds out of this world.

I like the sound of skipping a rock on a frozen pond or river. I'm here in Canada and it sounds out of this world.

And Steve, what do you think this tells us about relations between the United States and Russia right now? Are we witnessing a shift?

And Steve, what do you think this tells us about relations between the United States and Russia right now? Are we witnessing a shift?