Trump's Ambitious Greenland Deal: Sovereignty and Resistance

Mon Feb 02 2026 20:30:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

US President Donald Trump's intention to negotiate a deal regarding Greenland raises questions about sovereignty and the collaboration of Denmark and Greenland, both of whom are firmly opposed to relinquishing control over the territory.

The US President has announced a 'framework of a future deal' concerning Greenland, stirring tension between the US and Denmark as both reject the notion of relinquishing sovereignty. Discussions may revolve around military agreements and security against perceived threats from China and Russia, but both Greenland and Denmark are adamant about retaining control over the island.

US President Donald Trump has announced there is a framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland.

The statement came as a surprise after days of mounting tensions, culminating with a threat to impose economic sanctions on eight close US allies opposing his plans for Greenland.

What could this entail, and will it be accepted by Denmark and Greenland, which have made it clear they will not relinquish sovereignty over the world's largest island in the Arctic?

What has been said about the framework deal?

President Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform after talks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He noted a very productive meeting with NATO Secretary-General and indicated ongoing discussions about Greenland.

However, Rutte did not discuss Danish sovereignty in their meeting, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the issue remains unresolved, asserting, we cannot negotiate on our sovereignty.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen expressed ignorance about the deal's details but is favorable towards a better partnership with the US, provided sovereignty discussions remain off the table.

Details and Options

Anonymous officials suggest discussions may involve Denmark ceding minor areas of Greenland to the US for military bases, mirroring arrangements seen in Cyprus. However, both Denmark and Greenland reject any relinquishment of sovereignty.

Trump has highlighted potential security risks from Chinese and Russian presence around Greenland, though Denmark disputes the existence of an immediate threat. NATO allies, primarily through Mark Rutte, have assured the US of increased security measures in the Arctic region.

Will any deal short of 'ownership' please Trump?

The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland since World War II. Under an existing agreement, the US can station troops without engaged sovereignty. Trump previously indicated that such leases wouldn't suffice, calling for actual ownership.

Denmark has reiterated their stance against negotiating on sovereignty, while Greenland's leaders have communicated their positions directly to President Trump, emphasizing that sovereignty cannot be compromised.

Why does Trump want Greenland?

Trump's interest in Greenland spans from strategic military necessities to the vast untapped resources the island possesses. He has likened control over Greenland to a vital advantage against global threats, particularly from Russia and China, while also pursuing access to its rare earth mineral wealth.