Trump, Denmark strike Greenland deal for permanent US security cover

The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached an agreement that will allow Washington to develop a significant military presence on the Arctic island while preventing US adversaries from establishing bases there, US President Donald Trump said on Friday.

Trump said the agreement would give the United States permanent access to Greenland for defence and security purposes and prevent sensitive investments by countries considered US adversaries without American approval.

“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 on Truth Social. Donald Trump on Truth Social

Earlier on Friday, Reuters reported that Washington and Greenland were nearing an agreement to expand the US military presence on the island, but that the deal would fall short of Trump's long-standing ambition to acquire Greenland.

Trump said the US would soon announce a large military presence on the island, which already hosts a US Space Force base in northwest Greenland.

“This is a dream come true for the United States of America,” Trump wrote.

The Danish prime minister's office said the agreement would strengthen security in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.MARCO RUBIO SAYS DEAL ADDRESSES SECURITY CONCERNS

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement permanently addressed Washington's national security concerns regarding Greenland.

“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.

A State Department official said the agreement would prohibit non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland. It would also allow only the US and its allies to make certain unspecified “sensitive investments” on the island.

The agreement would provide the United States with permanent access, basing and overflight rights, according to the official. These provisions would remain in force even if Greenland becomes independent from Denmark.

The exact details of the agreement remained unclear on Friday, including whether the US would construct additional military bases. The United States already enjoys extensive overflight and basing rights in Greenland under a 1951 treaty.GREENLAND'S RESPONSE REMAINS UNCLEAR

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and its residents have expressed aspirations for independence. The island has also faced political opposition to US efforts to increase its influence there.

The agreement is therefore likely to be closely watched in Greenland, particularly because it would strengthen the US military and strategic footprint in the Arctic.- EndsPublished By: Zafar ZaidiPublished On: Sep 19, 2026 04:30 IST