Trump says he’s struck deal to give U.S. “permanent control over security” in Greenland

Updated on: September 18, 2026 / 7:16 PM EDT / CBS News

President Trump said Friday he has struck a deal to give the United States "permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland," following a push by the president to boost the U.S.' influence over the Arctic island — or, if possible, take it over.

The governments of Greenland and Denmark, which oversees the semi-autonomous island, confirmed they reached a deal with the U.S. Details are sparse, but the deal does not appear to constitute an outright U.S. takeover of the territory — an idea Mr. Trump had previously backed, rattling Denmark and other NATO members.

A State Department official told CBS News the U.S. was guaranteed permanent access to the island and overflight rights, allowing the military to potentially increase the number of bases. The deal also blocks non-NATO members from establishing military bases, and restricts American adversaries from making sensitive investments in Greenland, the official said.

The deal is set to remain in place permanently, "even if Greenland becomes a fully independent country," the State Department official said.

Mr. Trump said in a Truth Social post that he plans to boost the U.S.' presence in…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/