Trump announces security agreement with Denmark over Greenland

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States has secured a new security agreement with Denmark concerning Greenland, which he stated would grant the U.S. "permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns."

In a social media post, Trump detailed that "at my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the 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 U.S. and Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, currently operate under a 1951 agreement that provides the U.S. military with extensive rights on the island. This existing pact allows the U.S. to "construct, install, maintain, and operate facilities and equipment" and to "station and house personnel and to provide for their health, recreation and welfare."

Following Trump's announcement, the governments of Greenland and Denmark released a joint statement indicating an intention to sign an agreement next week. This prospective accord, expected to be finalized at the U.N. General Assembly, aims to "strengthens security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region." The statement also noted that the agreement would require subsequent parliamentary approval to take effect.

Trump further stated that the new agreement would prevent "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." He also indicated plans for the U.S. to "immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed pleasure regarding the prospect of the agreement, calling it "an agreement that strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is thus also good for NATO and Europe." She also emphasized that the agreement "at the same time recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination."