Trump declares "permanent control" of Greenland

Copenhagen – Agencies: Denmark welcomed yesterday the agreement on Greenland announced by U.S. President Donald Trump as having been reached with Copenhagen, which grants Washington “permanent control” over the security of the polar island and prevents adversaries such as Russia and China from establishing bases there, describing it as “binding.” Trump has repeatedly emphasized since his return to the White House in January 2025 the necessity of Washington controlling Greenland for strategic reasons, even threatening to annex the vast, self-governing Danish territory, a move that raised concerns in Denmark and among other U.S. allies in NATO. Both Denmark and Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, welcomed the agreement and stated they would sign it on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said yesterday that the impending signing of the agreement means “next week could be a good week.” He added in a social media post, “We hope that a binding agreement will replace a long period of uncertainty, strengthening security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions.” He affirmed that the agreement respects Denmark’s “red lines,” considering it “important” in light of the changing security situation. However, the terms of the agreement remain vague, while Denmark insists its sovereignty has not been compromised. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the agreement in a statement as one that “simultaneously recognizes the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.” For his part, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has reached an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, granting the United States permanent control over security and all other needs in Greenland.” He added, “From now on, no adversary of the United States will ever be able to establish a base in Greenland, maintain a military presence there, or make sensitive investments there without our explicit written consent.” He affirmed that it is “an agreement for an indefinite period, with no end,” noting that Washington will immediately begin consolidating an intensive military presence in the territory. Trump has repeatedly warned of Russian and Chinese attempts to establish a foothold in Greenland amid the intense strategic competition in the warming northern polar region, while the U.S. State Department has confirmed that they will not be permitted to do so. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen stated that the agreement “strengthens” the territory’s security. Several media outlets reported that the United States intends to establish three new military bases in southern Greenland, in addition to the Pituffik base previously established in the northern part of the island.