Denmark’s leaders are cautiously optimistic about Trump’s announcement of a Greenland deal

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark's government expressed cautious optimism on Saturday regarding Donald Trump's announcement of a deal concerning Greenland. The agreement aims to bolster U.S. military presence in the Arctic island while ensuring Danish control. Following months of threats from Trump, who aimed to seize the territory, the deal has been seen as a long-awaited resolution.

The prime minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, stated that the agreement would be signed by all three governments (U.S., Denmark, and Greenland) during the United Nations General Assembly the following week. However, Danish and Greenlandic governments still need to take parliamentary action before the deal can be enforced.

Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, expressed optimism for the Arctic and North Atlantic region, stating the agreement will strengthen security within NATO and Europe while respecting Denmark's red lines. Greenland's top diplomat echoed similar sentiments, calling it "about time" for an end product.

Under the agreement, the U.S. will develop a larger military presence on Greenland's mineral-rich territory, starting immediately. The U.S. had previously operated several bases and installations in the Arctic territory during the Cold War, but has since reduced its presence. A U.S. State Department official confirmed the agreement bans any non-NATO base in Greenland, limits adversaries' investments in the island, and guarantees China and Russia cannot establish a base on the territory.

The U.S. push for Greenland is seen as a potential foreign policy achievement ahead of the midterm elections. Trump had previously called for Denmark to sell the island to the U.S., while emphasizing Greenland's importance for U.S. security. However, Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea of selling the island and condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there.