Trump announces agreement giving US 'permanent control' over Greenland security

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland granting Washington "permanent control" over the security of the Arctic territory. According to Trump, the deal bars Russia and China from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval. The agreement is described by Trump as an "Infinite Life" Agreement, meaning it has no end. Denmark and Greenland stated that they expect to sign the pact during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week. Both nations emphasized that the agreement preserves Danish sovereignty and Greenland's right to self-determination. The deal is intended to strengthen security in the region and align with broader NATO objectives. Trump claimed the agreement addresses long-standing US concerns regarding Greenland's strategic importance, stating that previous presidents had failed to resolve the issue. He asserted that the agreement ensures the US will "forever" have the authority to act in Greenland to secure and defend both the territory and the United States. Trump also said the agreement comes at no cost to US taxpayers. According to the agreement, the US will immediately begin developing a large military presence in Greenland. While Trump did not specify the exact locations or scale of the buildup, he mentioned that there are multiple suitable areas on the island. The US currently operates a military base in northern Greenland, and the new developments could expand its footprint significantly. The Danish government confirmed that the agreement will undergo parliamentary approval in both Copenhagen and Nuuk before being finalized. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the deal "good for NATO and Europe," emphasizing that it recognizes Greenland's interests and its role in international cooperation. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that the agreement strengthens the territory's security. The deal follows months of tension between Trump and Denmark, fueled by Trump's repeated calls for greater US control over Greenland. Since his return to the presidency in early 2025, Trump has pushed for increased US influence in the region, citing strategic and resource considerations. His threats to take over Greenland have drawn criticism from European allies and raised concerns about potential conflict. Earlier this year, Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reportedly discussed a framework for Greenland's future, temporarily easing some of the tensions. However, Trump's desire for greater control over the territory has persisted, prompting fears of a potential annexation. Despite these concerns, Denmark and Greenland have consistently reaffirmed that Greenland is not for sale. Under a 1951 defense pact with Denmark, the US already has limited military access to Greenland. The current agreement appears to expand upon this existing arrangement, allowing the US to exert more direct control over security matters. Some analysts suggest that the deal may still fall short of full sovereignty, as it does not explicitly grant the US ownership of Greenland. Instead, it focuses on ensuring exclusive US oversight of security and related activities. The agreement also includes provisions that restrict foreign military presence and sensitive investments in Greenland. Any such activity would require prior written approval from the US. Trump emphasized that these measures are essential to safeguarding US and Greenlandic interests against adversarial powers. While the deal has received backing from Danish and Greenlandic officials, it remains a contentious issue among international observers. Concerns have been raised about the implications for regional stability and the rights of Greenland's population. The outcome of the upcoming signing ceremony will likely shape the trajectory of US-Greenland relations in the coming years.