U.S. Secures Permanent Security Control in Greenland

President Trump announced a development on Friday of a deal that gives the United States permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. This move aims to enhance U.S. influence over the Arctic island, or potentially acquire it. The governments of Greenland and Denmark, which has authority over the semi-autonomous island, confirmed an arrangement with the United States. It’s anticipated that the agreement will be signed in New York City on Tuesday, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly attended by many global leaders, as reported by two U.S. officials to CBS News.

Although detailed information remains limited, the deal does not seem to equate to an outright U.S. acquisition of the territory, a notion previously supported by Mr. Trump, causing concern among Denmark and other NATO members.

A State Department official conveyed to CBS News that the United States secured permanent access to the island along with overflight rights, potentially facilitating an increase in military base numbers. Additionally, the agreement prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing military bases, and restricts adversaries from undertaking sensitive investment projects in Greenland. It’s stipulated to remain effective permanently, “even if Greenland becomes a fully independent country,” according to the State Department official.

Mr. Trump disclosed his intentions in a Truth Social post to expand the U.S. presence in Greenland. The island has hosted a U.S. base on its western coast since the 1950s. He stated, “We 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.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the deal as a “huge win.” He expressed that “Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” emphasizing that the agreement thoroughly addresses national security concerns in Greenland.

Mr. Trump has long advocated for U.S. control over Greenland, citing its strategic position between North America and Europe and its proximity to Russia via the Arctic Ocean. He has expressed interest in purchasing the territory from Denmark, a proposal consistently rejected by officials in Denmark and Greenland.

This year, the president intensified takeover efforts, threatening Denmark and other countries with steep tariffs if they didn’t agree to his Greenland acquisition attempts. Military force was considered as a method for U.S. control over the island, following actions to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, launch a conflict with Iran, and obstruct most of Cuba’s oil imports, indicating a more assertive foreign policy.

Denmark warned that a U.S. takeover might dissolve the NATO alliance, which Greenland also opposed. Other NATO members sided with Denmark against the annexation endeavor.

In January, Mr. Trump abandoned the tariff threats and ruled out military action in Greenland, announcing the establishment of “the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland” together with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. There’s uncertainty whether the recently revealed agreement arose from those NATO discussions.

In a Friday statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s office revealed the U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic governments plan to sign the agreement next week. It needs to undergo “necessary parliamentary procedures” in Denmark. Frederiksen expressed satisfaction with the prospect of a favorable deal for Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S. She mentioned that the deal reinforces security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, benefiting NATO and Europe, while affirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and the rights of Greenland’s people for self-determination.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen characterized the deal as “gratifying,” acknowledging Greenland’s interests and its role in international collaboration, benefitting all involved.