Trump announces deal giving US ‘permanent control’ over Greenland’s security

The United States has entered into an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to have a lasting military presence in the semi-autonomous territory, President Donald Trump announced on Friday.

Trump said the deal will give the U.S. “permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns.” He added that this will come at “NO COST” to the U.S. government.

“At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America,” the president wrote on Truth Social. “Additionally, 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.”

Trump took credit for the deal, saying that no past president had ever been able to recognize Greenland’s “strategic importance” to the U.S. The agreement is expected to last in perpetuity.

“This is an ‘Infinite Life’ Agreement, there is no end!” he said. “We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People. We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.”

“This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies,” Trump continued. “We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it! This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special.”

The deal is related to only Greenland’s security and does not give the U.S. total control over the Arctic island. However, it does freeze out Russia, China, and any other non-NATO countries from building a base in Greenland or deploying troops there, a State Department official said. It also blocks them from making investments in the island.

Since taking office last year, Trump has repeatedly threatened to take over or acquire Greenland forcibly, with Denmark opposing the overture. Other European nations were also troubled by the president’s threat.

The leaders of Greenland and Denmark issued their own statements on the new deal, which they said is expected to be signed at the U.N. General Assembly in New York City next week.

After the agreement is signed by all parties, it will go through the proper parliamentary procedures in Greenland and Denmark before it can take effect.

Their joint statement was less grandiose than Trump’s announcement, which focused on how the security deal would benefit the U.S. Rather, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s 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. “An agreement that strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is therefore also good for NATO and Europe. And an agreement that at the same time recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.”

The Greenland deal comes as European countries brace for possible aggression from Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

The move was announced days after a Russian warship fired flares at a Danish military helicopter over the Baltic Sea, with Moscow claiming the flares were fired to prevent a “provocation.” Russia is also believed to have been behind a drone that was shot down by NATO jets over Lithuanian airspace earlier in the week.

Most notable was a rare statement from traditionally neutral Switzerland, which said “in response to the deteriorating security situation,” it would move to “strengthen resilience, improve protection and enhance defence capabilities” and adopt a security policy strategy.

“Hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and influence activities are on the rise. Critical infrastructure is made more vulnerable by its high level of interconnectivity,” the Swiss government said, noting enhanced defense capabilities would be implemented “immediately.”

Germany and Sweden carried out joint military exercises near the Swedish island of Gotland on Friday, and French President Emmanuel Macron also announced efforts on Friday to protect the nation from drones and cyberattacks launched by Moscow.

Despite the warnings from France and other countries, NATO said there is “no imminent threat” of an attack from Russia at this time.

MACRON ORDERS INCREASED DEFENSES AGAINST RUSSIAN SABOTAGE AFTER DRONE AND CYBERATTACKS

Beyond Greenland, the U.S. could be looking to expand its presence in Europe to deter Russia.

On Thursday, Trump announced the nation is close to establishing a U.S. Army base in Poland. He teased a more detailed announcement in the near future and hailed the news as a “historic step for our Great U.S./Polish Alliance.”