Home · Politics · Sep 18 archive

US Secures Permanent Military Rights in Greenland

Confirmed

Politics Desk

In Short: President Trump announces a deal granting the US permanent military access and basing rights in Greenland, with no cost to the US.

Major Greenland Glacier Is Growing
Photo: NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data courtesy of Josh Willis/NASA JPL and the Oceans Melting Greenla

President Donald Trump announced a deal granting the United States permanent military access and basing rights in Greenland, resolving a diplomatic dispute that began with his threats to seize the territory by force.

The agreement, reached with Denmark, includes provisions that no US adversary can maintain a military presence in Greenland or make sensitive investments there without express written approval from the US.

Trump, in a social media post, said the deal comes with 'no cost to the United States' and will grant the US the ability to 'do what is necessary' to secure and defend Greenland's security.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the deal 'strengthens security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area,' while Greenland's government chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the agreement, stating it 'ensures and strengthens the security' of Greenland, Denmark, and the US.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the deal a 'historic deal' and a 'huge win for the United States and the American people,' emphasizing that it permanently addresses US national security concerns in Greenland.

The deal, which still needs approval from legislators, includes provisions that will remain in effect even if Greenland becomes an independent country.

The agreement also bars China, Russia, and other non-NATO countries from establishing military bases or maintaining troops in Greenland.

Trump had previously threatened military action to take control of Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth, leading to international outrage and tensions with Denmark.

The administration is seeking to prevent Greenland from becoming another strategic vulnerability similar to the Panama Canal, where Chinese commercial interests have raised US national security concerns.

The deal is designed to remain in effect indefinitely, with no expiration date, ensuring the US can establish additional military installations as needed.

What this adds

The deal grants the US permanent military rights in Greenland, aligning with Trump's previous pledge to take control of the territory.

The agreement does not transfer sovereignty over Greenland to the US, but it does provide the US with significant military presence and basing rights.

Background

President Trump announced a deal granting the U.S. permanent military access and basing rights in Greenland, with no cost to the U.S.

What's confirmed

What's still developing

Sources