Trump claims 'permanent control' of Greenland as US military buildup begins

US President Donald Trump said Friday (local time) that the United States plans to significantly increase its military presence in Greenland, the strategically vital Arctic territory, and that the move would give Washington permanent control over the island's security. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Trump announced the development on Truth Social, saying the United States had "happily" concluded an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland.

"This fully addresses the many concerns the United States has had by giving the United States permanent control over Greenland's security and all other necessities," Trump said, adding that the deal would cost the US nothing.

Trump went on to say the United States would "forever have the complete ability to do what is needed in Greenland to secure and protect Greenland and the United States," and that "from this point forward, no hostile force of any kind will be able to base, station troops, or make sensitive investments in Greenland without our express written approval."

Trump said the US would immediately begin establishing a large military presence in Greenland. "We will protect it fully," he said, calling the deal "a very good solution for the United States, Denmark, Greenland and all of our allies."

According to AFP, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the United States, Denmark and Greenland would sign an agreement next week to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Frederiksen said in a statement that she was pleased a good agreement appeared to be taking shape for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States, adding that it would be signed at a separate event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Trump has repeatedly argued since last year that Greenland is a strategic asset directly tied to US security and that Washington must secure it. His argument holds that Greenland's geographic position is critical for monitoring and controlling air and maritime routes linking North America and Europe, and that its importance to US security has grown as Russia and China expand their military and economic influence in the Arctic.

Trump has insisted Greenland must be annexed by the United States, warning that if Russia or China were to take control of the island, US air and maritime security would be threatened — and that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend it.