Trump claims security, military deal with Denmark over Greenland
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Protesters on Greenland hold the island's flag. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images
President Trump said late Friday the U.S. has struck a deal with Denmark that will give America "permanent control over security" in Greenland.
Why it matters: Control over Greenland has been a fixation of Trump's for years and a wedge in U.S. relations with Europe.
- Any such deal could potentially reduce tensions with the EU, though it's unclear how residents of the island itself will take to the pact.
What they're saying: "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 posted on Truth Social.
- "There will be NO COST to the United States!"
The other side: The office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the three parties would sign the "great agreement" in New York next week at the UN General Assembly, adding that it was a good deal for NATO and Europe as well.
- "The agreement recognizes Greenland's interests and our place in the international cooperation. It is to the benefit of us all," Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a statement.
Between the lines: Trump said in his post that the U.S. will build a large military presence on the island, though he did not specify where or how large.
- He also indicated the U.S. would have a veto over other countries having military bases or sensitive investments on the island.
- Fox News, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the deal stops short of full sovereignty over Greenland, but is designed to persist even if the island becomes an independent nation someday.
Context: Danish and Greenlandic leaders have consistently told Trump that Greenland is not for sale.
- Under a 1951 defense agreement with Denmark, the U.S. already has military access to the island. But Trump has repeatedly claimed that the U.S. needs Greenland.
- Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed a Greenland framework in January that briefly abated talk of the U.S. annexing the island.
- However, Trump's desire to annex new land has come up repeatedly during his second term.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with statements from Denmark and Greenland
