US President Donald Trump has announced an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says gives the United States permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland.
Trump made the announcement in a post shared on X on Saturday, describing the agreement as a permanent arrangement that addresses what he called longstanding US concerns over the strategically important Arctic territory.
“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 said.
He said the agreement would give the US lasting authority to take measures it considers necessary to protect Greenland and American interests.
“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 said.
Trump also said the agreement would prevent US adversaries from establishing military or investment footholds in Greenland without Washington’s approval.
“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,” he said.
The US president described the pact as an “‘Infinite Life’ Agreement”, saying “there is no end”.
He also announced plans to expand the American military presence on the island.
“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many,” Trump said. “We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.”
The announcement comes after months of tensions over Trump’s repeated demands for greater US control of Greenland. The island remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
The agreement is expected to be signed during the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week and remains subject to parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland. Danish and Greenlandic officials have said the arrangement recognises Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination.
The full terms of the agreement have not yet been made public. Reports indicate that the arrangement would make US access, basing and overflight rights permanent while keeping Greenland under Danish sovereignty.
A US State Department official said the agreement would prevent China and Russia from establishing bases or sending troops to Greenland and restrict investment in sensitive sectors.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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