Trump Signs Greenland Deal Allowing Two US Military Bases
President Trump signed a security deal Tuesday with Greenland and Denmark. The signing happened during the UN General Assembly meeting.
The deal lets the United States build two new bases in Greenland. It also confirms Denmark's control over Greenland.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous Arctic territory under Danish rule. The new bases will be built in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
The existing Pituffik Space Base will also get bigger. The agreement has no end date.
Trump had repeatedly said the United States should own Greenland. This deal aims to ease tensions from those past comments.
If Greenland becomes independent someday it would stay in NATO. It would then take over Denmark's role in this deal.
Klear Note — Semi-autonomous means Greenland governs many local matters while Denmark handles sovereignty. NATO is a military alliance; Greenland would remain a member after independence.
Key Terms 4
- UN General Assembly A yearly meeting where world leaders gather to discuss global issues.
- NATO A military alliance of North American and European countries.
- semi-autonomous Having some self-rule but still part of another country.
- Pituffik Space Base A US military base already located in Greenland.