Home · World · Sep 19 archive
US and Denmark Reach Greenland Security Deal
Developing
In Short: The US and Denmark have reached a security agreement over Greenland, resolving a diplomatic dispute sparked by Trump's annexation threats.
The US and Denmark have reached a security agreement over Greenland, resolving a diplomatic dispute that began with former President Donald Trump's threats to seize the territory by force. The deal, announced by both countries, aims to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic areas.
According to Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, the agreement will be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week. The deal includes provisions that prohibit any US adversary from maintaining a military presence in Greenland or making sensitive investments there without express written approval from the US.
The agreement also grants the US the ability to 'do what is necessary' to secure and defend Greenland's security, as stated by Trump in a social media post. Trump claimed the deal comes with 'no cost to the United States' and will ensure the US can act decisively to protect its interests.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of the Greenland Government, welcomed the deal, stating that it 'ensures and strengthens the security' of Greenland, Denmark, and the US. He added that the agreement recognizes Greenland's interests and its role in international cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the deal a 'historic deal' and a 'huge win for the United States and the American people.' He told Fox News that the agreement 'permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.
The official agreement still needs approval from legislators and will have to go through parliamentary procedures to enter into force. Under the current status quo, adversaries have been allowed to invest in Greenland's sensitive sectors without investment screening.
Trump's previous threats to 'take' Greenland over national security concerns and his suggestion of military action prompted an outcry from Danes and other NATO countries. The new deal aims to address these concerns while ensuring Greenland's autonomy and security.
The agreement grants the US permanent access, basing, and overflight rights in Greenland, and would continue to apply even if Greenland were to become independent.
The deal represents a significant diplomatic resolution to a contentious issue, aligning the interests of the US, Denmark, and Greenland in the Arctic region.
What this adds
The deal's specifics remain undisclosed, and its full implications for Greenland's sovereignty and economic development are yet to be fully understood.
Background
Denmark is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It is the metropole and most populous constituent of the Kingdom of Denmark, also known as the Danish Realm, a constitutionally unitary state that includes the autonomous territories of the Faroe Islands and Greenland in the north Atlantic Ocean.
What's confirmed
- Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed that the agreement will be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week.
- "This deal permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland," he told Fox News.
What's still developing
- "The agreement recognises Greenland's interests and our place in international co-operation. It is for the benefit of us all," he said.
- US and Denmark reach deal over Greenland after Trump annexation threats 'I'm telling the truth': Earl Spencer defends Diana book claims about Charles in BBC interview MI5 accepts it gave evidence based on lies in neo-Nazi spy case How the race they said women couldn't run took centre stage Watch: Diana's 'revenge dress' back in the spotlight at auction.
- “This is a dream come true for the United States of America,” Mr. Trump wrote.
- “Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” he wrote.
- Published - September 19, 2026 04:35 am IST World / USA / Donald Trump / Greenland / Denmark Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences.