Trump claims deal with Denmark gives US ‘permanent control’ over Greenland

Denmark and Greenland plan to sign a US defence pact next week, pending approval from both parliaments.

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A protest sign displayed outdoors in Nuuk, Greenland, carrying a message in English opposing a sale of the territory.
A sign reading 'Greenland is not for sale!' is seen in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 20, 2026 [File: Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP]

United States President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Washington has entered into an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that gives the US “permanent control over security and all other needs”.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “At my 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”.

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He added that US adversaries will be barred from establishing military bases or stationing personnel in Greenland unless they receive written authorisation from the US.

Trump said plans will begin immediately to build a significant US military footprint in suitable areas across Greenland, adding that there are numerous potential locations.

Denmark and Greenland released a joint statement on Friday indicating that a pact with the US is set to be signed during next week’s United Nations General Assembly session.

The statement added that the agreement remains subject to parliamentary approval in both Nuuk and Copenhagen.

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement “recognises 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 said the deal with the US “strengthens” the territory’s security.

 


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