Trump signs ‘fantastic’ Greenland security deal with Denmark

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a deal on the future of Greenland, bringing an end to months of tensions over his demands to take over the North Atlantic territory. 

Trump told the United Nations General Assembly in New York the agreement gives the U.S. “permanent control over security and all other needs.” He said: “We will have the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American continent and also Europe and other places.”

No U.S. adversary will be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland or make sensitive investments without American written approval, he said.

Trump promised to build two “very major military bases” on the territory, adding that he’s “formed a bond” with the people of “beautiful” Denmark and the Greenlanders during the negotiations.  The legal text of the deal is available here.

“I know it’s going to be a long-term, fantastic relationship,” Trump said at the signing ceremony later, alongside the prime ministers of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen. 

Frederiksen thanked Trump for the agreement, labeling it a good deal for the U.S., Denmark and Greenland that would keep enemies and adversaries away.

“Seventy-five years ago, we entered into an agreement about the defense of Greenland,” she said. “Today we are signing an even bigger and better agreement — a deal that can last forever.”

Nielsen said Greenland’s territory had been supporting U.S. security since World War II. “We are, have been and will remain a steadfast friend of the United States and a part of the Western alliance. Your security is our security, and our security is your security,” he said.

At the start of the year, Trump horrified European and NATO allies with his push to annex the sovereign Danish territory. Denmark has been a member of NATO since the alliance was founded in 1949.