After months of diplomatic pressure, tariff threats and talk of annexation, US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that Washington has reached an agreement with Denmark granting the United States “permanent control” over Greenland’s security and blocking China and Russia from establishing a military presence there.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America.”
He added that adversaries would no longer be able to build bases, station troops or make sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval.
Terms of the deal
Trump said the agreement, to be signed at next week’s UN General Assembly in New York, is of “infinite life” and will allow the US to immediately expand its military presence on the island. A US State Department official told the BBC the deal would remain valid even if Greenland became independent.
The 80‑year‑old Republican leader has long argued that only the US can protect Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth. His first attempt to buy the territory in 2019 was rejected outright.
A State Department official told AFP the new accord ensures China and Russia cannot deploy forces or invest in sensitive sectors.
Washington plans to open three new bases in southern Greenland, in addition to its existing Pituffik base in the north. A 1951 defence pact already allowed the US to expand its presence with prior notice to Denmark and Greenland.
Why Greenland matters
Greenland’s position between North America and the Arctic makes it vital for missile‑warning systems, lying on the shortest path between Russia and the US. The island also holds vast reserves of rare earth minerals, crucial for advanced technology and defence industries. With China launching regular Arctic shipping routes, the Trump administration sought permanent control to block rivals from gaining a foothold.
The deal grants Washington enduring security authority and rights to expand its military footprint, stopping short of annexation or purchase — options rejected by Danish and Greenlandic leaders as violations of international law.
Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said earlier she was “optimistic” about resolving the dispute and on Friday welcomed the prospect of an agreement beneficial to Greenland, Denmark and the US, calling it “good for NATO and Europe.”
She stressed the accord recognises Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self‑determination.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen said the deal “strengthens” the territory’s security.
