Trump secures ‘permanent’ military deal with Greenland

President Donald Trump has secured a sweeping security deal with Greenland and Denmark, granting the U.S. functional military control over Greenland and barring foreign adversaries from gaining a foothold in the region. The President made the announcement in a Truth Social post late Sept. 18.

“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,” he said.

“There will be NO COST to the United States! 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,” Trump 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.”

Fox News cited an unnamed senior U.S. official who said that the deal grants the U.S. “permanent access, basing and overflight rights in Greenland and the ability to establish additional military installations as needed,” and bars non-NATO countries from making investments in sensitive actors in the country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement that the deal is a “huge win” for the U.S. and will yield enormous security benefits.

"Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area," he said. "This deal permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.”

Trump has had his eye on Greenland for some time, suggesting shortly after returning to office in 2025 that the U.S. should consider buying or potentially invading Greenland. He has emphasized the country’s resources and geographic location as crucial for bolstering U.S. security and maintaining American military dominance.

“For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it. I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation,” he said in his Sept. 18 Truth Social post.

“We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People,” he continued. “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!”