Trump Announces 'Permanent Control' Deal with Denmark Over Greenland's Security
President Trump announced a major agreement with Denmark that grants the United States permanent control over Greenland's security and military presence. The deal ends months of tensions after Trump previously threatened to take the Arctic territory by force, though Greenland remains under Danish sovereignty.
Deal Announced After Months of Tension
President Donald Trump announced a new deal with Denmark on Friday that he says grants the United States "permanent control over security" in Greenland, a territory he has previously threatened to take control of by force. Trump stated in a post on Truth Social 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, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns."
Key Details of the Agreement
Under the deal, "From now on, no U.S. 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," according to Trump's announcement. The island will remain part of Denmark under the new deal, with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicating that the agreement recognizes Danish "sovereignty and territorial integrity" as well as Greenlanders' "right to self-determination."
Escalation Resolution
Trump has previously rattled Europe with demands for the U.S. to take over the territory, a semiautonomous region of NATO member Denmark, on occasion threatening military action and vowing to take control "one way or the other." The deal came after officials from U.S., Greenland and Denmark quietly negotiated for months behind the scenes, searching for solutions to address some of Trump's security concerns about a territory of roughly 56,000 residents.
Next Steps
The deal is expected to be signed at the UN General Assembly in New York next week. With the announcement of the pact, Trump is able to tout a foreign policy achievement ahead of the midterm elections.