US and Denmark reach agreement on Greenland security control

Representatives of the United States, Denmark and Greenland are set to sign an agreement next week during the UN General Assembly that gives Washington permanent control over security matters in Greenland. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the deal on Friday, saying it is good for both NATO and Europe and strengthens shared security in the Arctic and North Atlantic region.

Frederiksen said the agreement simultaneously recognizes the Kingdom of Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Greenlanders' right to self-determination. Before taking effect, the deal must still go through the necessary parliamentary procedures.

Trump's announcement

US President Donald Trump called the deal "unlimited" in a post on his Truth Social platform, saying it grants the United States permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. According to Trump, no hostile foreign power will be allowed to establish a base or military presence in Greenland going forward, nor make sensitive investments there without explicit written US consent.

Greenland's response

Greenland's head of government, Jens Frederik Nielsen, welcomed the agreement, saying it strengthens the security of Greenland, Denmark, the United States and the Western alliance, while recognizing Greenland's interests and its place in international cooperation.

Background

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington needs control over Greenland for strategic reasons, a stance that unsettled Denmark and drew resistance from NATO allies. Media reports have said the US plans to open three new military bases in southern Greenland, in addition to the existing Pituffik base in the north.