Trump claims 'permanent control' over Greenland in US-Denmark security pact
President Trump announced a US deal with Denmark and Greenland granting permanent control, pending parliamentary approval.
United States President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Washington has secured an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that grants the U.S. "permanent control over security and all other needs" in the Arctic territory. The assertion was made via Trump's Truth Social platform, where he stated that at his direction, "we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the US will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland."
This announcement comes as Denmark and Greenland are preparing to sign a defense pact with the United States next week, a move that is still subject to approval by both parliaments. The potential agreement has been a point of discussion, particularly following Trump's previous expressions of interest in purchasing Greenland.
Trump further elaborated on social media that the pact would prevent U.S. adversaries from establishing military bases or stationing personnel in Greenland without explicit written authorization from the United States. He indicated that plans would commence immediately to establish a significant U.S. military presence in suitable locations across Greenland, noting the availability of numerous potential sites.
In a joint statement, Denmark and Greenland confirmed the upcoming signing of the pact during the United Nations General Assembly session. Both nations emphasized that the agreement is contingent on parliamentary endorsement in Nuuk and Copenhagen. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the pact "recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination." Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen added that the deal "strengthens" the territory’s security.
The development follows a period of heightened geopolitical attention on the Arctic region, with increasing competition for strategic and economic opportunities. The U.S. has been seeking to bolster its presence and influence in the area.
Previous reports indicated Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, a proposal that was met with strong opposition from Danish officials. The current defense pact appears to be a more formalized approach to securing U.S. interests in the strategically vital island.
Experts suggest that while the pact aims to enhance security, its long-term implications for regional stability and Greenland's autonomy will depend on the specifics of its implementation and the ongoing political dynamics between the involved parties.
Further details regarding the scope of "permanent control" and the precise nature of the security arrangements are expected to emerge following the official signing and subsequent parliamentary debates.
This article was written by AI based on publicly available news reporting. Original reporting by the linked source.