President Trump announced Friday that his administration had concluded a deal with Denmark to take over security for the island of Greenland, raising hopes that one of the major points of contention between the US and Europe would be settled.
“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There will be NO COST to the United States!”
There was no immediate response from Denmark, which had reacted angrily to repeated suggestions by the president that the US might annex the territory.
The deal announced by Trump Friday keeps the world’s largest island in Copenhagen’s hands — but gives Washington veto power over which countries can have a military presence there.
The US has kept a military presence on Greenland under the auspices of NATO since 1951 and currently operates the Pituffik Space Base, about 750 miles above the Arctic Circle.
“[T]he 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,” the president’s post continued. “Additionally, from now on, 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.”
Trump added that the US will “immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.
“This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it!”
Additional details of the announced deal — as well as an official text — were not immediately available.
“This historic deal is a huge win for the United States and the American people,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News Digital in a statement. “Thanks to President Trump’s vision and leadership, this historic agreement permanently guarantees US security interests in the Arctic at zero cost to the US taxpayer.”
“Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” Rubio said. “This deal permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.”
Ahead of Trump’s announcement, Reuters had reported, citing two sources familiar with the talks, that an agreement was close and Greenlandic territory could be used to house components of the Golden Dome — the massive, space-focused missile defense system that officials hope to start bringing online in 2028.
Soon after returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump called on Denmark to sell Greenland to the US, citing the importance of the island to national security. He then aggravated tensions with Europe by pointedly refusing to rule out taking over the island by force.
Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland repeatedly said the island was not for sale and condemned reports of US intelligence gathering on Greenlandic territory.
“For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it,” Trump said Friday. “I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation.
“This is an ‘Infinite Life’ Agreement, there is no end! We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People.”
With Post wires
