Trump says US has struck security agreement with Denmark over Greenland

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has reached a security agreement with Denmark regarding Greenland. The deal, which builds upon an existing agreement, grants the U.S. permanent control over all security and other matters in Greenland. Speaking via social media, Trump emphasized that the agreement ensures the U.S. can "do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America."

The current 1951 agreement already provided the U.S. with extensive rights to construct, install, maintain, and operate facilities, as well as station and house personnel in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen previously acknowledged that the agreement grants the U.S. significant access to the island. Following Trump's announcement, Greenland and Denmark's government jointly stated their intention to sign an agreement strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions during an upcoming U.N.

General Assembly. However, no specifics about the new agreement were disclosed, and it would still need to pass through parliamentary procedures to become effective.

Trump's announcement comes amid months of heightened rhetoric from the president, who had threatened to take over Greenland. His threats caused tension between the U.S. and European allies and raised concerns among Greenlanders. In his statement, Trump outlined that the new agreement would prevent any adversary from establishing a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without U.S. approval.

He also indicated that the U.S. would begin developing a substantial military presence in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen expressed satisfaction with the prospect of a cooperative agreement among Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S., highlighting its positive impact on Arctic and North Atlantic security, NATO, and Europe, while preserving Greenland's sovereignty and self-determination rights.