President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland, granting the U.S. permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. This deal, which Trump described as having "no cost to the United States," will allow the U.S. to take necessary actions to secure and defend Greenland, explicitly including permanent access, basing, and overflight rights.
The agreement also includes a key provision prohibiting any U.S. adversary from maintaining a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without explicit written U.S. approval. The U.S. State Department clarified that this ensures China and Russia cannot establish bases or send troops to the island, and mechanisms are in place to prevent their investment in sensitive sectors. Trump stated on Truth Social that the deal has no expiry date and guarantees the U.S. will "forever" have the ability to act as needed in Greenland.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the agreement, stating it strengthens common security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognizing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the self-determination rights of the Greenlandic people. The formal signing of the deal is anticipated to take place next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. While Trump touted "permanent control," Danish officials emphasized the protection of their sovereignty, indicating the deal fell short of an actual U.S. acquisition of the territory that Trump had previously sought.
