Trump Says US Reaches Deal With Denmark For ‘Permanent’ Security Control Over Greenland

US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington has reached an agreement with Denmark that would give the United States “permanent control” over Greenland’s security, including measures aimed at preventing Russia and China from establishing military or commercial footholds in the strategically important Arctic territory.

Trump has repeatedly argued since returning to the White House in January 2025 that US control of Greenland is essential for national security. His demands have strained relations with Denmark, a NATO ally, and triggered strong opposition in Greenland and across Europe.

According to Trump, the agreement would give the US permanent authority over Greenland’s “security, and all other needs” and allow Washington to expand its military presence on the island.

“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,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

The US president described the arrangement as an “‘Infinite Life’ Agreement” with “no end.”

Denmark, Greenland Say Sovereignty Will Be Respected

The office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the three governments are expected to sign the agreement next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

However, Copenhagen said the agreement would still require parliamentary approval in both Denmark and Greenland before it could take effect.

Frederiksen said the proposed deal recognizes the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of both Greenland and Denmark while respecting their right to self-determination.

“I am pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States,” she said, adding that the arrangement would also benefit NATO and Europe.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the emerging agreement would strengthen the territory’s security while recognizing “Greenland’s interests and our place in the international cooperation.”

US Seeks To Block Russia, China From Greenland

A State Department official said the agreement would prohibit non-NATO bases in Greenland and create mechanisms to prevent Russia and China from deploying troops, establishing military bases or making sensitive investments on the island.

“This agreement guarantees that China and Russia cannot have a base in Greenland, they cannot send troops to Greenland, and the necessary mechanisms are in place to prevent investment in sensitive sectors,” the official said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the announcement a “historic deal” and a “huge win” for Washington.

“Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” Rubio said, adding that the agreement “permanently and completely addresses” US national security concerns regarding Greenland.

Trump has repeatedly pointed to growing Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic as a reason for seeking greater control over Greenland. The territory’s location between North America and Europe, along with its mineral resources, has made it increasingly important in the competition for strategic influence in the Arctic.

Details Of Agreement Remain Unclear

Trump did not provide detailed information about how the proposed arrangement would work. It also remains unclear whether it is connected to, or significantly different from, an understanding he announced with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January.

Several media reports have said Washington wants to establish three additional military bases in southern Greenland, in addition to the existing US military installation at Pituffik in northern Greenland.

A 1951 US-Danish defense agreement, updated in 2004, already allows Washington to increase troop deployments and military infrastructure in Greenland, subject to advance notification to Denmark and Greenland.

Despite opposing Trump’s calls for US control of Greenland, Danish officials have repeatedly said they are willing to cooperate with Washington on expanding the American military presence and strengthening US commercial interests on the island.

Greenland Dispute Strained NATO Relations

Trump’s campaign for greater US control over Greenland has created tensions with Denmark and other European allies.

After taking office, Trump called on Denmark to sell Greenland to the United States and repeatedly declined to rule out military action to acquire the territory. Greenland, home to around 57,000 people, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said that Greenland is not for sale. They have also objected to reports concerning US intelligence-gathering activities on the island.

Russia and several European countries have also opposed Washington’s push for greater control over Greenland.

The dispute has raised concerns within NATO and was viewed in Denmark and other European capitals as a challenge to their sovereignty, according to Imran Bayoumi, an associate director at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security.

Tensions have eased somewhat from their peak after NATO launched a new mission aimed at strengthening security in the Arctic, partly in response to concerns raised during the dispute.

Frederiksen said earlier this week that she was “optimistic” that discussions involving Washington and Greenland, which have continued since January, could resolve the disagreement.

Trump said Friday that the United States looked forward to working with Denmark and Greenland toward what he described as a “magnificent future” for the “large, and highly strategic” territory.

“We will be very protective of it,” Trump said.