US President Donald Trump on Friday announced an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he said would give Washington “permanent control” over security in the Arctic territory, while keeping Greenland under Danish sovereignty.
The announcement marks a shift in a dispute that has strained ties between the US and Denmark since Trump returned to the White House. Denmark and Greenland said the agreement is expected to be signed next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The pact will also require the necessary parliamentary procedures before it takes effect.
US seeks bigger military presence
Trump said the agreement would prevent US adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval.
“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland,” Trump said on Truth Social.
“From now on, no US adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.”
He also said Washington would begin work on expanding its military presence on the island.
A US State Department official said the agreement would provide the US with permanent access, basing and overflight rights, while preventing China and Russia from establishing military bases or sending troops to Greenland.
Denmark says sovereignty remains intact
Denmark and Greenland have stressed that the arrangement does not transfer ownership of Greenland to the United States. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was “pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States,” describing it as good for NATO and Europe.
She also said the agreement recognises the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
Deal follows months of tensions
Trump has repeatedly argued that Greenland is important to US security and has previously pushed for American control of the territory. His demands had caused concern in Denmark and among other NATO members.
The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland. The new agreement is expected to expand Washington’s ability to maintain and develop its military presence on the island, while the territory remains under Danish sovereignty.