Denmark deal gives US 'permanent control over security' of Greenland, says Trump

Donald Trump has said the US has entered into a deal with Denmark that gives the US "permanent control over security" in Greenland.

In a post on Truth Social, he said the US "will immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland".

He added: "This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special."

In a statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said both Denmark and Greenland expect to sign an agreement with the US next week to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region.

Mr Trump has previously called on Denmark to sell the island to the US and repeatedly insisted that it is crucial for US security, specifically his plan to build a 'Golden Dome' shield.

Greenland also holds rich deposits of rare earth minerals needed for telecommunications, as well as uranium, billions of untapped barrels of oil and a vast supply of natural gas that used to be inaccessible but is becoming less so.

Explained: What we know about the deal

Denmark and Greenland have both consistently asserted that the island is not for sale but Mr Trump suggested in his social media post that an understanding has been reached.

He went on: "We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland toward a magnificent future with respect to this large, and highly strategic, parcel of land. We will be very protective of it!"

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A NATO spokesperson on Saturday said the alliance welcomed the agreement, which would "help advance security, stability and cooperation in this ‌vital region."

Parliamentary action by the Danish and Greenland governments will be required before the deal can be enforced.

Ms Frederiksen said: "I am pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the US.

"An agreement that strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is therefore also good for NATO and Europe.

"And an agreement that at the same time recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination."

You can watch Ivor's full report from earlier this year here

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said it would "ensure and strengthen" the security of Greenland, Denmark, the US and the Western alliance - calling it "to the benefit of us all".

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that the deal "permanently and completely" addressed Washington's national security concerns with respect to the island.

"Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defence area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area," he added.

(c) Sky News 2026: Denmark deal gives US 'permanent control over security' of Greenland, says Trump