# Trump's Greenland Flag Deal Sparks Backlash

> Trump's deal to overlay U.S. flag on Greenland sparks anger over sovereignty claims.
- Title: Trump's Greenland Flag Deal Sparks Backlash · Newsweek
- Summary: Trump's deal to overlay U.S. flag on Greenland sparks anger over sovereignty claims. Trump's deal with Denmark for military access in Greenland faces…
- Keywords: greenland, denmark, united states, trump, military base, sovereignty, arctic, nato, Trump's, Flag, Deal, Sparks
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/map-of-greenland-under-us-flag-sparks-backlash-after-trump-deal-12463275
- Published: 2026-09-19T08:35:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: greenland, denmark, united states, trump, military base, sovereignty, arctic, nato
## Trump Announces Greenland Deal
President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to boost U.S. military presence in Greenland, claiming permanent control over security and all needs on the territory.
## Greenland Sovereignty Concerns
Orla Joelson, a Greenland sovereignty champion, condemned Trump's suggestion that the U.S. now owns Greenland, calling it 'shameless propaganda' and stressing the island remains Danish territory.

> this is shameless propaganda
## Katie Miller's Flag Post
Katie Miller, wife of Stephen Miller, posted a map with the U.S. flag over Greenland, prompting criticism that the U.S. does not own the territory and the image misrepresents Greenland's sovereignty.

> this is shameless propaganda
## Trump's UN Claim
Trump claimed at the UN that the U.S. had agreed with Denmark and Greenland for permanent security control, stating the deal would prevent adversaries from building military bases in Greenland.

> This agreement, made with the Kingdom of Denmark an incredible, beautiful country, and the Greenland people itself, gives the United States permanent control over security and all of the needs on that territory.
## Denmark's Optimism
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed optimism about the deal, stating Copenhagen expected it to be signed soon and benefit Greenland, Denmark, and the United States.

> Next week could be a good week … for Greenland, Denmark, and the United States alike.
## Sovereignty Debate
Greenlanders and Denmark argue the deal preserves their sovereignty and right to self-determination, while the U.S. claims permanent security control without transferring ownership.
## Existing Agreement
The deal appears to extend the 1951 agreement allowing U.S. military bases in Greenland, with no transfer of sovereignty but enhanced security restrictions for adversaries.
## U.S. State Department Statement
The U.S. State Department called the deal an 'unprecedented agreement' that guarantees U.S. security interests in the Arctic at no cost to taxpayers and excludes adversaries from Greenland.

> President Trump has obtained a historic deal that no other U.S. President in history could have delivered, completely and permanently satisfying all U.S. demands.
## Greenland's Prime Minister
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated the deal benefits all three governments and recognizes Greenland's interests, while Denmark requires parliamentary approval.
## Key takeaway

Trump's deal with Denmark for military access in Greenland faces backlash as Greenlanders reject U.S. ownership claims.