US, Denmark and Greenland Reach Deal to Expand US Military Presence

The agreement will also restrict rival countries from establishing military bases or making certain sensitive investments in Greenland.

 

In a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump said no “adversary” would be allowed to make sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval. He claimed the agreement has no expiration date and said the United States would retain the ability to take whatever measures it considers necessary to ensure the security of Greenland and the US “forever.”

 

Reuters reported on Friday that Denmark and the United States were nearing an agreement that would allow Washington to increase its military presence in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. However, the deal does not amount to Trump’s long-standing ambition to bring Greenland under US control.

 

Under a 1951 agreement, the United States already has broad rights to operate aircraft and establish military facilities in Greenland. The island is currently home to a US Space Force base in its remote northwestern region.

 

Trump welcomed the new agreement and said the United States would soon establish a significant military presence in Greenland. He described the development as a “dream come true” for the United States.

 

However, it remained unclear as of Friday night whether the agreement would lead to the construction of any new US military bases. Trump’s posts about the negotiations have frequently provided limited details and context.

 

The Danish prime minister’s office said the agreement would strengthen security in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

 

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement recognizes Greenland’s interests and its position in international cooperation in the Arctic. He described the deal as beneficial to all parties.

 

Imran Bayoumi, a former Pentagon official who now works at the Atlantic Council, said it would represent a significant development if the United States were given the ability to establish bases without approval from Greenland or Denmark. However, he argued that Washington could have achieved many of its objectives through diplomacy and negotiations without putting additional pressure on the broader US-NATO relationship.

 

It also remains unclear how the agreement will be received in Greenland. The autonomous territory has a strong independence movement, and many Greenlanders have expressed opposition to efforts by the United States to establish control over the island.

 

In a separate statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement had permanently and comprehensively addressed Washington’s national security concerns regarding Greenland.

 

He said Greenland would remain part of North America’s strategic defense area and that potential adversaries would be kept away from the island and surrounding waters.

 

A US State Department official said the agreement would prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military bases in Greenland. It would also limit certain sensitive investments on the island to the United States and its allies.

 

The official added that the agreement would provide the United States with permanent access to Greenland, including rights related to military bases and airspace. The agreement would remain in force even if Greenland becomes independent in the future.