Trump announces Greenland deal with Denmark giving US ‘permanent control over security’

President Trump announced Friday that his administration had concluded a deal with Denmark to take over security for the island of Greenland, raising hopes that one of the major points of contention between the US and Europe would be settled.

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“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “There will be NO COST to the United States!”

There was no immediate response from Denmark, which had reacted angrily to repeated suggestions by the president that the US might annex the territory.

The deal announced by Trump Friday keeps the world’s largest island in Copenhagen’s hands — but gives Washington veto power over which countries can have a military presence there.

“[T]he United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America,” the president’s post continued. “Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.”

Trump added that the US will “immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.

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“This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it!”

Additional details of the deal were not immediately available, but Reuters had reported ahead of Trump’s announcement, citing two sources familiar with the talks, that Greenlandic territory could be used to house components of the Golden Dome — the massive, space-focused missile defense system that officials hope to start bringing online in 2028.

Soon after returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump called on Denmark to sell Greenland to the US, citing the importance of the island to national security. He then aggravated tensions with Europe by pointedly refusing to rule out taking over the island by force.

Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland repeatedly said the island was not for sale and condemned reports of US intelligence gathering on Greenlandic territory.

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