The United States and Denmark have announced a security agreement over Greenland, resolving a diplomatic dispute triggered by President Donald Trump’s threats to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory by force.
Trump said the deal grants the US “permanent control over security, and all other needs” in Greenland, describing it in a Truth Social post as coming at “no cost to the United States.” He added that it includes a provision preventing any US adversary from maintaining a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without express American written approval.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the agreement would be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week, stating it “strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area” while recognising “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.” She noted the deal still requires parliamentary approval to enter into force.
Chairman of the Greenland Government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed the agreement, saying it “recognises Greenland’s interests and our place in international co-operation.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed it as a “historic deal” and a “huge win for the United States and the American people,” adding that it “permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.”
An unnamed State Department official outlined key provisions, including unilateral US power to build additional military structures without approval from Greenland or Denmark, “permanent access, basing and overflights rights,” and a ban on non-NATO countries building bases on the island. The deal would reportedly remain in force even if Greenland becomes independent.
The deal follows months of Trump’s threats to purchase or annex Greenland, citing its strategic location and vast untapped rare earth mineral reserves.
