WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland giving Washington what he described as permanent authority to address security needs in Greenland, significantly expanding America’s strategic role in the Arctic.
Trump said the arrangement would allow the United States to strengthen its military presence and prevent U.S. adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. He said the agreement has no expiry date and gives Washington the ability to take measures it considers necessary for the security of Greenland and the United States.
The agreement, as described by Trump, does not amount to the United States acquiring Greenland. Reuters earlier reported that negotiations were focused on expanding the American military presence while stopping well short of transferring ownership or sovereignty over the Arctic territory.
Greenland’s strategic importance has grown because of its Arctic location and its significance for military operations, shipping routes and geopolitical competition. Denmark has previously maintained that Greenland’s sovereignty is not negotiable while supporting closer cooperation with the United States and NATO on Arctic security.