Trump Declares Victory in Greenland Deal, Says U.S. Gets "Permanent Control" Over Arctic Security

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States has struck a sweeping security agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says gives Washington "permanent control over security" on the Arctic territory and the power to block adversaries from establishing a foothold there "FOREVER."

In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said the arrangement addresses "ALL of our many U.S. concerns" and will come at "NO COST to the United States." He promised that Washington would have the ability to act in Greenland indefinitely.

"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," Trump wrote.

The president added that "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." He said the United States would "immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence" on the island.

Trump branded the pact an "Infinite Life" Agreement, declaring "there is no end!" and calling it "a dream come true for the United States of America."
The White House did not immediately publish the text of the agreement or spell out how Trump's description of "permanent control" would operate alongside Danish sovereignty and Greenland's self-government. Reuters reported shortly before the announcement that the emerging deal would stop well short of an outright U.S. acquisition, but could expand the American military footprint, facilitate use of Greenland for Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile-defense system and restrict Chinese influence.

The United States already maintains a military presence in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, which was later amended with the participation of Greenland's home-rule government. Pituffik Space Base, formerly Thule Air Base, remains the principal U.S. installation on the island.

Friday's announcement follows a second term in which Trump has spent much of his time ratcheting up pressure over the territory. In January, he said the U.S. was going to "do something on Greenland whether they like it or not," warning that it could happen the "nice way or the more difficult way." Days later at Davos, he demanded negotiations for U.S. "right, title and ownership" of Greenland, while publicly pledging, "I won't use force."

The president's push initially drew sharp resistance from Denmark, Greenland and other European governments, which repeatedly insisted that the island's future was for Greenlanders and Denmark to decide.

After Trump's post, a joint statement from the governments of Denmark and Greenland appeared to offer a more cautious account of the announcement. The statement said the three governments expect to sign the agreement next week and that it must then pass the necessary parliamentary procedures before taking effect.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the prospective deal would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. She also said it must be one that "recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination."