Trump Says US Secures Permanent Control Over Greenland’s Security Under New Deal
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has announced a new agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says gives Washington “permanent control” over the Arctic island’s security.
However, Denmark and Greenland have stressed that the agreement does not transfer sovereignty over Greenland to the United States. The island remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The agreement is expected to be signed during next week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. It will also require approval from the Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.
What Does the Agreement Give the US?
Under the agreement, Washington will be able to significantly expand its military presence on Greenland.
Trump said the arrangement has no end date. He said it gives the United States the ability to take whatever steps are necessary to defend Greenland and the US.
He described the arrangement as an “Infinite Life” agreement.
Trump also said US adversaries will not be allowed to establish military bases or maintain a military presence on Greenland without written US approval.
Sensitive investments by those countries would also require Washington’s approval, according to Trump’s announcement.
The agreement therefore gives the US substantial influence over Greenland’s security environment. However, it does not amount to a transfer of ownership or sovereignty.
Greenland Remains Part of Denmark
Greenland is the world’s largest island and lies in the Arctic region. It has extensive self-government but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland manages most of its domestic affairs, while Copenhagen retains responsibility for areas including defence and parts of foreign policy.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Danish Kingdom.
He also said it recognises Greenlanders’ right to determine their own future.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the agreement must respect Denmark’s “red lines.”
He said the pact should strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while respecting the Danish Kingdom’s sovereignty.
Full Details Remain Unclear
The complete agreement has not yet been made public.
As a result, several important questions remain unanswered. These include the exact size of the future US military presence and the extent of Washington’s authority under the agreement.
It is also unclear whether Denmark or Greenland would give the US any formal authority over foreign policy, natural resources or other areas beyond security.
Trump’s reference to “all other needs” has added further uncertainty about the agreement’s scope.
The US already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland. The new agreement could allow Washington to expand that presence significantly.
For now, the agreement appears to strengthen the US military and strategic role in Greenland without transferring the island’s sovereignty from Denmark.
