Trump Announces Security Deal with Denmark and Greenland for U.S. Permanent Control

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States has reached a deal granting it “permanent control over security” in Greenland. The agreement, confirmed by both the governments of Greenland and Denmark, marks a significant development in Washington’s strategic interests in the Arctic region.

According to two U.S. officials speaking to CBS News, the deal is scheduled to be signed next Tuesday in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly, when numerous world leaders will be in attendance.

While specific details remain limited, the arrangement does not amount to an outright U.S. annexation of the territory—a scenario Trump had previously advocated for, causing friction among Denmark and other NATO allies. A State Department official clarified that the U.S. will receive permanent access to the island and overflight rights, potentially allowing for an expansion of military bases. Additionally, the accord prohibits non-NATO nations from establishing military installations in Greenland and restricts investments by American adversaries in sensitive sectors.

The official emphasized that the terms would remain binding even if Greenland were to achieve full independence. Trump stated on Truth Social that he intends to expand the U.S. military footprint on the island, which has hosted an American base since the 1950s.

“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland,” Trump wrote. “We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the agreement, calling it a “huge win” for national security. He stated that the deal ensures Greenland remains firmly within North America’s strategic defense perimeter and excludes adversarial influence.

The announcement represents a pivot from earlier in the year, when Trump threatened steep tariffs against Denmark to pressure the country into selling the territory and did not rule out military intervention. Those aggressive tactics drew warnings from Denmark that a takeover could effectively dissolve NATO, a stance supported by other member states. Trump subsequently halted the tariff threats in January and stepped back from military options after discussing a framework for future cooperation with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s office confirmed that the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland plan to sign the pact next week, pending necessary parliamentary approval in Denmark. Frederiksen expressed satisfaction that the deal strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while respecting Greenland’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also welcomed the outcome, describing the agreement as gratifying and beneficial for international cooperation.