The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Friday that Washington had reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to take on a permanent role in the security of the Arctic territory, in a new chapter of the dispute that for months has pitted the White House against Copenhagen and the Greenlandic authorities.
Through a post on his social network Truth Social, the Republican leader assured that the understanding gives the United States permanent control over the security of Greenland and the possibility to take the measures it deems necessary to defend both the territory and the nation he presides over.
“I am pleased to announce that the United States has reached an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland that grants the United States permanent control over security and all other needs in Greenland,” wrote the President.
Trump added that the pact would have no cost for the United States and that, under its terms, Washington would have “forever” the ability to act in Greenland in matters of security and defense.
One of the central elements of the announcement includes the expansion of the U.S. military presence on the island.
In this regard, the president announced that Washington will begin “immediately” the process to develop a “large military presence” in the areas of Greenland it considers appropriate. According to his post, the United States would work with the local population in the development and construction of these facilities.
The President also assured that no country considered an adversary by Washington will be able to establish a base, maintain a military presence, or make “sensitive investments” in Greenland without the written authorization of the United States.
“From now on, no adversary of the United States will ever be able to have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland without our express written approval,” he stated.
Trump described the supposed understanding as a “life infinite” agreement – “Infinite Life Agreement” – and said it would have no end date.
“It is a ‘life infinite’ agreement, it has no end,” he wrote.
Additionally, he presented the announcement as the resolution of a strategic concern that, according to his version, various U.S. administrations had identified for more than a century.
“For more than 100 years, presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but none of them could do anything about it,” he said.
Trump closed his post describing the supposed agreement as a “dream come true” for the United States and describing it as a “historic” understanding that, according to his version, would benefit Washington, Denmark, Greenland, and their allies.
“We will be very protective of it,” he wrote on his Truth Social account.
Trump’s statement did not include the text of the agreement nor specify what commitments Denmark and Greenland would assume, what the concrete powers of the United States would be, or what legal mechanisms would allow the implementation of the announced measures.
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As of the closing of this note, there had also been no public confirmation from Copenhagen or Nuuk supporting the terms described by Trump.
It is worth noting that the Reuters agency had reported this Friday that Washington and Denmark were close to a possible agreement to expand the U.S. military presence in Greenland.
That publication points to talks about a more robust U.S. military presence, as well as mechanisms to limit China’s presence and influence on the island.
Greenland has become one of the main points of tension between the United States and Denmark since 2025, after Trump intensified his calls for the North American nation to gain control of the territory.
In January, the president even threatened to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed his plans and had avoided ruling out various alternatives to gain control over Greenland.
Such pressure caused a diplomatic crisis with his European allies and opened a debate within NATO about Arctic security.
Subsequently, Trump softened part of his rhetoric and began talking about an agreement that would allow the United States to obtain “full access” to the territory, especially for military purposes, without the need for a formal acquisition.
In January, from the World Economic Forum in Davos, the president had already stated that the talks contemplated military access without a time limit and had linked that possible understanding with the development of the Golden Dome missile defense system. On that occasion, he acknowledged that the details of the agreement were still being negotiated.
At that time, the Prime Minister of Greenland, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said he was willing to discuss cooperation and security but set territorial sovereignty as a line that could not be crossed. Denmark, for its part, reiterated that its sovereignty over the island was not in question.
The tension began to show signs of easing during this month. On Monday the 14th, the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, said she hoped to find a peaceful way out with Washington regarding the Arctic and Greenland.
It is worth noting that in recent weeks, Denmark and Greenland have strengthened their coordination on security matters. At the beginning of the month, Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, participated in meetings in Nuuk and signed a declaration aimed at deepening cooperation between Greenland, Denmark, and the European Union.
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