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What did Trump really gain from the Greenland deal?

16:46

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Anthony Howard
September 20, 2026

US President Trump says a new Greenland agreement gives the US permanent security control. But Denmark insists its sovereignty is intact, and Washington already enjoyed military access. So what has really changed?

The Danish government has reacted with cautious optimism after the White House announced a new agreement with Denmark and Greenland to strengthen US involvement in the Arctic. US President Donald Trump said the deal would give Washington permanent responsibility for Greenland’s security, and would address what he called American strategic concerns.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen confirmed that an agreement is expected to be signed in the coming days to enhance security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The announcement follows months of controversy, during which Trump repeatedly raised the possibility of taking over Greenland. While many Greenlanders expressed relief that a deal had been reached, reactions in the United States were mixed, with some welcoming stronger security and others questioning Washington's motives.

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