US President Donald Trump has secured a permanent military control agreement with Denmark, granting the United States permanent access and overflight rights over Greenland, a strategic Arctic territory. The deal, announced on Friday, includes the ability for the US to establish additional military installations on the island without approval from Greenland or Denmark.
The agreement, which follows Trump's earlier threats to annex the island, grants the US unilateral power to build new military structures on Greenland. It also bans non-NATO countries from establishing bases in the territory, with specific restrictions on Russia and China. Trump emphasized that the deal addresses US security concerns regarding potential threats from adversaries in the Arctic region.
The deal includes a screening mechanism for investments, ensuring that only US-approved entities can engage in activities that could threaten national security. Greenland's autonomy is preserved, allowing the island to decide its political future without transferring territory to the United States. The agreement aims to secure US interests in the Arctic while maintaining Greenland's status as an autonomous territory within Denmark.
The deal has been welcomed by US officials and European counterparts, who had previously expressed concerns over Trump's demands for US ownership of the island. The agreement represents a compromise, balancing US security interests with Greenland's sovereignty and the need to prevent non-NATO countries from establishing military presence in the region.