Trump announces agreement with Denmark to secure ‘permanent’ control over Greenland’s security
Trump said the agreement comes at “NO COST” to the U.S.Juliette Pavy / Bloomberg via Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Kyla Guilfoil and Abigail WilliamsPresident Donald Trump announced a new deal with Denmark Friday that grants the United States “permanent control over security” in Greenland.
“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,” the president said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump said the agreement comes at “NO COST” to the U.S. and that it is an “Infinite Life’ Agreement, there is no end!”
The deal includes barring any U.S. adversary from ever being able to have a base or military presence in Greenland, or “make sensitive investments” there without written approval from the U.S., Trump said.
He added that the administration will work with Greenland to immediately begin developing a “large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many.”
“At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the 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,” Trump wrote.
Add to GoogleTrump announces deal with Denmark for 'permanent control' over Greenland's security02:21Leaders of Denmark and Greenland said in a statement Friday that Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. are expected to sign the agreement next week in connection with the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized in a statement Friday that the agreement does not give the U.S. sovereignty over Greenland.
“An agreement that strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is therefore also good for NATO and Europe,” Frederiksen wrote. “And an agreement that at the same time recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.”
Chairman of the Greenland Government Jens-Frederik Nielsen wrote in a statement that the deal is “to the benefit of us all.”
“It is gratifying that we are about to enter into an agreement that ensures and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States and the Western alliance. The agreement recognizes Greenland’s interests and our place in international cooperation,” Nielsen wrote.
The agreement to establish the American military presence in Greenland follows Trump’s threats in January to take the country “one way or the other.”
While the president later toned down the threat of military action against Greenland, his administration continued its efforts to gain power there, including a visit from the U.S. special envoy to Greenland, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, in May.
Trump’s approach to the country has sparked outrage from Greenlanders, who consistently have shown in polls that they overwhelmingly reject American annexation.
Despite the strong opposition to Trump’s threats, Greenland’s government had been participating in negotiations alongside Denmark and the U.S. to find a solution on security concerns.
Greenland has long been contested among the U.S., Russia and China because of its strategic position in the region and its vast mineral resources.
Kyla GuilfoilKyla Guilfoil is a breaking news reporter on the politics team for NBC News Digital.
Abigail WilliamsAbigail Williams is a producer and reporter for NBC News covering the State Department.
