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

Donald Trump has said the US has agreed a deal with Denmark giving America "permanent control over security" in Greenland.

Writing 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."

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said both Denmark and Greenland expected to sign an agreement with the US next week.

However, analysts say the details released so far appear to be very similar to America's existing deal over Greenland, which has been in place since the 1950s.

Mr Trump previously called on Denmark to sell the island, insisting it was crucial for US security and his plan for a 'Golden Dome' missile defence system.

His refusal to rule out taking it by force shocked allies.

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 consistently asserted the island is not for sale but Mr Trump suggested in his social media post that an understanding had 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!"

The US already operates the Pituffik base in northwestern Greenland, a site that conducts missile warning and defence ops and space surveillance.

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A NATO spokesperson welcomed the agreement and said it 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.

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

"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 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 it "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.

However, defence and security analyst Elizabeth Braw told Sky News the deal didn't differ much from America's existing arrangement over Greenland.

In force since 1951, she said it already allows the US the right to set up whatever military base it wants on the island.

"The one addition [in the new deal] is it promises no other foreign countries will be allowed to establish military bases there. But one wonders what countries that would be and if it would have happened anyway," added Ms Braw.

She said the deal gave President Trump "something to show the world in a situation where not many things are going his way".

The US leader's attempts to achieve lasting peace in the Iran war have so far failed, and he may now try to paint the deal as a major foreign policy win ahead of crucial midterm elections at home.

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