What is ‘Infinite Life’? Trump announces Greenland deal after threats to take territory

The announcement comes after months of diplomatic tensions triggered by Trump’s repeated calls for greater US control over Greenland, including threats to acquire the territory by force.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement would give the US “permanent control over security, and all other needs” in Greenland.

“At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America,” Trump said.

He also said that no US adversary would be allowed to establish a military base or presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments there, without Washington’s written approval.

Trump said the agreement, which he called “Infinite Life”, would come at “no cost” to the United States.

“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland,” he said, adding that the US would work with Greenland’s people on its development and construction.

The agreement, however, does not amount to a US takeover of Greenland. Denmark and Greenland have said the pact recognises the Kingdom of Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination. The agreement is also subject to parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was pleased that a “good agreement” was in prospect for Greenland, Denmark and the US.

She said the agreement would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions and would be beneficial for NATO and Europe, while recognising Denmark’s sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as “historic”.

“This historic deal is a huge win for the United States and the American people,” Rubio wrote on X, saying the agreement would permanently guarantee US security interests in the Arctic.

The agreement is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week, subject to the required parliamentary procedures.

The US already operates the Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland. The new agreement is expected to provide Washington with expanded military access and could allow for a larger US military presence on the island.