After threatening to seize Greenland by force, Trump agrees to leave it with Denmark and boost military presence. ‘We will be very protective of it!’

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that a deal with Denmark has been reached to boost the U.S. military presence in Greenland, following months of threats to take the island by force. The agreement grants the United States permanent control over security and all other needs in Greenland, addressing all concerns. Trump stated that his administration would begin developing a larger military presence on the mineral-rich Danish territory immediately.

The agreement recognizes Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and honors their right to self-determination. Denmark's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, confirmed that the deal will be signed by all three governments during the United Nations General Assembly, pending parliamentary approval by the Danish and Greenland governments.

Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, emphasized that the emerging deal benefits all three governments and respects Greenland's interests. Allies criticized Trump's call for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, with Russia and much of Europe opposing the U.S. push. Trump suggested that an understanding may have been reached, ending what was seen as Denmark's existential crisis.

The deal bans non-NATO bases in Greenland, limits adversaries from investing in Greenland, and guarantees that China and Russia cannot establish a base there. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed the agreement as a "historic deal" and a "huge win" for the United States, stating that Greenland will remain part of the strategic defense area of North America and be off-limits to any adversary.