Three takeaways as Trump claims deal to control Greenland security ‘forever’

The United States will assume “permanent control over security and all other needs” in Greenland under a new deal announced by Donald Trump. In a shock declaration on Friday evening, the President claimed an agreement had been reached to ensure the US would “forever have the complete ability to do what is necessary” in the Danish territory to preserve regional security. Officials from Greenland and Denmark did not immediately confirm all of Trump’s claims, with the Danish government only confirming all three nations were expected to sign an agreement on strengthening security in the Arctic and north Atlantic on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week. No text or detail has been publicly released, but it is understood the agreement will come into effect once ratified by the parliaments of both Denmark and Greenland. Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said the deal “recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity” of her nation and of Greenland, while also preserving the latter’s right to self-determination. If confirmed, the agreement would represent a significant development in a diplomatic clash which threatened to pit two NATO allies against each other. Here are the three key takeaways from the President’s announcement: Deal would prevent military clash for control The terms of the deal, as outlined by Trump in a social media post appear to represent a significant defence pact. There were no references to overseeing governance of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, with the President instead suggesting the US was focused on deploying more troops and other resources to the island. “We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many,” he wrote. Trump also claimed no US adversaries would be able to establish their own military presence in Greenland without his express written approval. Since returning to office in 2024, Trump had repeatedly called for Denmark to sell or otherwise cede the island to the US and initially refused to rule out the use of military force to take control. The President claimed US control of Greenland was essential for security, falsely claiming it was “surrounded” by naval forces from China and Russia. A Danish military frigate docked in the port of Nuuk, Greenland, in February (Photo: Florent Vergnes / AFP / Getty) His words sparked fears among European and NATO allies of a potential military conflict over the territory. However, Trump claimed the new deal was “completely addressing ALL of our many US concerns”, easing concerns of a potential clash. In a statement, Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, sought to further ease concerns, saying the agreement “recognizes Greenland’s interests and our place in the international cooperation”. Increased US presence a blow for Russia While Danish officials have reported less Russian activity close to Greenland in recent years, the prospect of a greater US presence on the island will likely come as a blow to the Kremlin. Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of tankers, which it uses to transport oil and other sanctioned products, frequently transit through waters close to Greenland and could therefore come under renewed threat of detection and seizure. A heightened US naval presence could also help to protect vital undersea cables which Russia has been accused of sabotaging as part of its “grey zone” hybrid warfare against Western nations, including Britain. The presence of additional US forces in the region will also come as a boost to Nordic countries, such as Finland, who are growing increasingly concerned by the threat of Russian aggression. Announcement gives Trump a ‘win’ ahead of crucial elections The deal is a rare foreign policy win for Trump ahead of the crucial midterm elections, with his announcement playing to a domestic audience deeply unhappy with the US’ war against Iran. A Fox News poll found 60 per cent of US voters believed Trump was wrong to begin the Middle East conflict, which has also served to worsen cost of living pressures. With the midterms fast approaching, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quick to hail the deal with Greenland and Denmark as a “huge win” which would have lasting benefits for the US. “Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” he added. For Trump, demonstrating his ability to follow through on a key plank of his foreign policy may help win back some credibility, although it remains to be seen whether it will meaningfully shift the dial with voters.