WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the United States, Denmark and Greenland reached an agreement granting the U.S. "permanent control" over Greenland's security. Trump announced the deal on Truth Social on Friday, calling it an "'Infinite Life' Agreement" and stating it would come at "no cost to the United States."
The announcement follows months of Trump's public demands to take Greenland under U.S. control, a position that faced opposition from NATO allies, including Denmark. Trump had dismissed those concerns, citing Greenland's strategic importance for defense and its mineral resources.
The scope of the new agreement and how it differs from a 1951 Defense of Greenland Treaty remain unclear. The U.S. has already operated Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland since 1951, providing missile warning, defense and space surveillance capabilities for the United States and NATO.
Trump said the agreement prevents U.S. adversaries from establishing a military base, maintaining a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without explicit written U.S. approval. He added that the United States would "immediately begin" constructing a "large military presence" on the island in collaboration with Greenland's people.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said, "I am glad that we are about to make a great agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the United States." She affirmed that the agreement recognizes Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity while respecting the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination.
Greerlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also commented on the agreement, though his full remarks were not available.
The Danish prime minister's office confirmed the deal will be formally signed next week during the U.N. General Assembly. A NATO spokesperson reiterated the alliance's commitment to strengthening Arctic security, calling the agreement vital to the region.
