US and Denmark reach Greenland security agreement - Trump

The US and Denmark have entered into an agreement that will give Washington "permanent control" over Greenland's security and will bar Russia and China from setting up bases in the Arctic territory, US President Donald Trump has said.

Since returning to the White House in January 2025, President Trump has repeatedly insisted that Washington needed to control Greenland for strategic reasons.

Denmark and Greenland, an autonomous territory controlled by Copenhagen, both hailed the deal and said that they would sign it on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.

"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," Mr Trump said on his Truth Social network.

"From now on, no US 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."

The 80-year-old said it was an "infinite" deal, adding that Washington would immediately start building up a large military presence in the territory.

In a statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: "I am pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States."

Ms Frederiksen added that the deal was "good for NATO and Europe" and that it strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Mr Trump has repeatedly warned about Russia and China trying to establish a foothold in Greenland amid a strategic battle for territory in the Arctic.

"This agreement guarantees that China and Russia cannot have a base in Greenland, they cannot send troops to Greenland, and the necessary mechanisms are in place to prevent investment in sensitive sectors," a US State Department official said.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the deal with the United States "strengthens" the territory's security.

At the Davos economic forum in January, Mr Trump reached a purported deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte over the future of Greenland, the terms of which have remained vague.

Mr Trump gave no details about how the deal would work, and it is not yet clear if it is linked to or substantially different from the NATO agreement.

Several media outlets have reported that the United States wants to open three new military bases in southern Greenland, in addition to the Pituffik base it already has in the north of the territory.

A 1951 defence pact, updated in 2004, already allows Washington to ramp up troop deployments and military installations on the island provided it informs Denmark and Greenland in advance.