In recent developments, President Donald Trump announced that a "framework" agreement has been established between the United States and Denmark concerning Greenland. The proposed deal aims to solidify the US strategic posture in the Arctic region, with an emphasis on long-term security and cooperation.
Sources indicate that this framework was a topic of discussion between President Trump and NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte, with shared commitments from NATO members, particularly the seven Arctic states, to bolster the defense and security of the Arctic. Central to the agreement is a reaffirmation of Danish sovereignty over Greenland, addressing sensitivities regarding territorial control.
A significant aspect of the proposal involves revising the 1951 "Greenland Defense Agreement," a historical accord that granted the United States permission to establish military installations and defense zones on Greenland. The update seeks to modernize this agreement to reflect current strategic realities and threats.
Enhanced security in Greenland features prominently in the framework, including NATO's role in Arctic operations and efforts to counteract external influences from nations such as Russia and China. The agreement is also reported to adjust references in defense language to explicitly include Greenland within the scope of the "Golden Dome," a term used in certain US defense contexts.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed that, upon finalization, the deal would secure all US strategic interests in Greenland indefinitely while imposing minimal costs on American taxpayers. The arrangement further includes provisions whereby the US might obtain a right of first refusal over mineral investments in Greenland. This mechanism is intended to prevent potentially adverse foreign involvement, especially from Russian and Chinese entities.
During an appearance on Fox News, NATO Secretary General Marc Rutte emphasized the multilateral nature of the proposal, highlighting the participation of all NATO countries with a particular focus on the Arctic allies. He confirmed that President Trump's vision and requirements have been incorporated into the framework, though he noted that the topic of Greenland's control was not deliberated during recent meetings.
President Trump reiterated Greenland's importance to US national security in his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He asserted that the United States is uniquely positioned to defend this Arctic territory effectively. The President described the agreement with Denmark as both a "long-term" and "forever" arrangement.
This declaration builds upon previous statements in which President Trump expressed a preference for complete US ownership of Greenland over other arrangements such as leasing or defense-only agreements. He argued that only full control would guarantee true security in the region.
In parallel, the ongoing discussions come after the US administration reversed threatened tariffs on several European allies. These tariffs were initially linked to gaining their support for the Greenland initiative. Moving forward, it is anticipated that high-level negotiations will continue between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are cited as key participants in these discussions.