Denmark, Greenland reject Trump's claim of permanent US control under security deal

Denmark and Greenland have rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that a new security agreement gives Washington "permanent control" over Greenland, saying the arrangement preserves the island's sovereignty and right to self-determination.

The agreement is expected to expand the US military role in Greenland, a strategically important Arctic territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. But Danish and Greenlandic officials said greater US responsibility for security does not amount to a transfer of territorial sovereignty, says the Business Times.

Trump said on Truth Social that the agreement gives the United States "permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland" and "FOREVER" ensures Washington's ability to defend the territory.

He also said hostile powers would be barred from establishing military bases, maintaining a military presence or making sensitive investments in Greenland without written US approval.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said the agreement respected the Danish Kingdom's "red lines". Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the arrangement recognised Greenland's territorial integrity and its right to self-determination.

Greenland remains a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is "not for sale", officials said.

The agreement comes after months of diplomatic tension within Nato, following Trump's repeated assertions that US control of Greenland was necessary for national security.

Greenland's location between North America and Europe makes it strategically important for Arctic defence. The United States currently operates Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland, and the new arrangement is expected to allow an expanded US military presence at additional locations.

Nato has welcomed progress on the agreement, saying it would strengthen security, stability and cooperation across the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The precise legal implications of the deal remain unclear because its full text has not been published. That means the boundaries of US authority and the mechanisms for enforcing the agreement cannot yet be independently assessed.

Mikkel Vedby Rasmussen, a political science professor at the University of Copenhagen, said continued uncertainty over the extent of US influence could raise concerns among Greenlanders about replacing their historical relationship with Denmark with American dominance. Available evidence, however, does not indicate a formal transfer of authority.

Public sentiment in Denmark has also reflected continued unease over Trump's statements and broader US intentions in Greenland.