Greenland’s Deal and Sovereignty Concerns

A staunch advocate for Greenland’s sovereignty expressed outrage over an image of Greenland with the U.S. flag superimposed on it. This reaction came after President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to bolster the U.S. military presence on the Arctic island. On Friday, Trump declared an agreement granting the U.S. permanent control over security and various needs in Greenland, fully addressing U.S. concerns.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen shared on Instagram that Copenhagen viewed the agreement positively, anticipating its upcoming signing. He remarked, “Next week could be a good week … for Greenland, Denmark, and the United States alike.”

Orla Joelson, known for criticizing Trump’s prior ideas of acquiring Greenland, responded sharply to the MAGA supporters’ claims that the U.S. now owned Greenland. Joelson labeled the act as ‘Shameless Propaganda.’ Katie Miller, spouse of Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, posted an image of Greenland covered with the U.S. flag, to which Joelson replied, “This is shameless propaganda.” Joelson emphasized that the U.S. does not own Greenland.

Further, the Danish ambassador to the U.S., Jesper Møller Sørensen, urged Washington to respect Denmark’s territory. Joelson reiterated on social media that while the U.S. gains military access and veto rights, no sovereignty transfer occurs.

The U.S. State Department referred to the deal as an unprecedented agreement, permanently securing U.S. interests in the Arctic at no taxpayer expense. Trump claimed the deal was historic, meeting all U.S. demands comprehensively.

Newsweek has reached out to Joelson and the Danish foreign ministry for comments.

Public Reactions on U.S. Spending

Several social media users responded to Miller’s post. Some criticized spending U.S. tax dollars on defending Greenland without owning it. Danish Dude requested a calm explanation of the deal relating to changes in the 1951 agreement concerning Greenland’s ownership issues.

Another user expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal of Greenland using the U.S. flag. He said that Americans have the right to spend tax dollars on defense but not ownership. Furthermore, a message was posted congratulating the agreement for maintaining Greenland’s sovereignty.

Deal Details and Sovereignty Assurance

Trump emphasized the U.S.’s permanent control over security in Greenland. However, Denmark and Greenland affirmed their sovereignty and right to self-determination. Notably, the U.S. already has a presence on the island, with rights to expand bases via NATO, of which Denmark is a founding member.

The new deal extends from a prior agreement in 1951 permitting U.S. military bases in Greenland. Though the full text remains unreleased, reports indicate the updated agreement counters bases or investments by adversaries like China and Russia.

Trump previously misclaimed that Chinese and Russian forces were near Greenland’s coast. The State Department declared that only the U.S. and allies can make sensitive investments in Greenland, excluding adversaries from investing without screening.

Impact and Agreement Permanency

Author Anne Applebaum noted the deal’s similarity to existing agreements and identified added nuances could have occurred without drama or influence-buying attempts.

The U.S. State Department communicated that Greenland forms part of North America’s strategic defense, preventing adversary presence regionally. No non-NATO country may build bases or send troops to Greenland under this deal.

This agreement is to remain in effect permanently, even with potential Greenland independence. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed next week’s U.N. General Assembly signing, pending parliamentary approval. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen mentioned the deal caters to all three governments and acknowledges Greenland’s interests.

Trump initially alarmed NATO and faced international criticism when he suggested acquiring Greenland, even considering military force, before shifting focus to military operations involving Venezuela and Iran.

Contact Newsweek editor on this story: Edward Pearcey.