U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States had reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that, according to his description, would give Washington permanent control over the island’s security and other needs, in a move he said addresses U.S. concerns over the strategically important region.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States had “reached a deal” with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, adding that Washington would not bear any costs under the agreement.
Trump: Permanent U.S. Control Over Greenland’s Security
Trump said his administration had, at his direction, worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to ensure that the United States would have the ability, as he put it, to take whatever measures are necessary to secure and defend the security of Greenland and the United States.
He added that any country considered an adversary of the United States would be barred from establishing a military base or military presence, or carrying out sensitive investments in Greenland, without explicit written approval from Washington.
Trump’s post did not provide clear legal or executive details regarding the nature of the agreement or the mechanisms for implementing what he described as permanent control over Greenland’s security.
U.S. Military Presence to Be Expanded
Trump said the United States would immediately begin developing a significant military presence in suitable areas of Greenland, noting that several locations could be used for that purpose.
He added that Washington would work with Greenland’s residents on development and construction projects, describing the agreement, from his perspective, as a solution that would serve the interests of the United States, Denmark, Greenland and Washington’s allies.
The U.S. president also stressed that his country would work to protect Greenland, which occupies a strategically important position in the Arctic region.
Deal Follows Months of Tensions Over Greenland
Trump’s announcement comes after months of tensions over Greenland’s future, following repeated statements by the U.S. president about his desire to strengthen American control over the island, a position that has fueled disagreements with Denmark and its European allies.
Denmark has previously stressed that Arctic security should be addressed in cooperation with NATO allies, while emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and maintaining that Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Previous official positions from Greenland have also indicated that decisions concerning the island’s future and sovereignty should involve its residents and authorities.
The full details of the agreement announced by Trump, including its legal status and mechanisms for implementation, have not yet been disclosed in detail.
