President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of Greenland transformed into a giant American aircraft carrier on Saturday, renewing attention to his territorial ambitions despite a September security agreement that explicitly recognises Danish sovereignty.
The Truth Social illustration showed fighter jets, a runway stretching across the island and a large U.S. flag beneath the words "WELCOME TO GREENLAND." It contained no explanation of whether Trump intended a political message or a military proposal.
The post came as Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced questions about the president's description of the agreement. At the G20 summit in Atlanta, a reporter asked whether Trump had misunderstood the deal, citing his campaign remarks suggesting Denmark had given Greenland to Washington.
"I'm not sure what comments you're referring to," Rubio replied. "Suffice it to say, we have a very good deal, one the President is fully apprised of, he understands, and is very supportive of, and it builds on what we've done there for a long time."
The agreement, published by the White House on September 22, expands arrangements for American military activity and security cooperation. It does not transfer ownership of Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Its preamble reaffirms Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity and recognises Greenlanders' right to self-determination under international law. The arrangement builds on defence cooperation dating to 1951 and has no specified end date, although entry into force requires completion of parliamentary procedures.
Trump previously described the deal as granting Washington "permanent control over security" at "NO COST to the United States." Those descriptions do not establish American sovereignty, and the posted image is not evidence of an approved construction project.
His interest in acquiring the island dates to his first term. Renewed threats during his second term strained relations with Denmark, a NATO ally, and placed Greenland's roughly 56,000 residents at the centre of a dispute over Arctic security and territorial control.
Greenland's government has meanwhile pursued investments intended to strengthen its economy and support the possibility of eventual independence from Denmark.
A new international airport opened Thursday in Ilulissat, with an inaugural flight connecting Copenhagen directly to the western Greenlandic town. The project forms part of an effort to attract tourists and diversify an economy heavily dependent on fishing, The Independent reported.
Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen travelled on the inaugural flight and linked economic development to the territory's political future.
"If Greenland wants to be independent, we need to have a strong foundation, both economically and in terms of industry and business," Nielsen told The Associated Press.
International visitor numbers have increased by at least 65% since 2018, reaching nearly 150,000 in 2024, according to AP reporting. The Ilulissat airport adds another international gateway to a region known for its icebergs.
Danish Finance Minister Peter Hummelgaard, who also joined the flight, acknowledged the pressure created by Trump's repeated statements about acquiring Greenland.
"There's no doubt that it has been a shadow over the entire Kingdom of Denmark, but especially Greenland," he said. "The opening of this new international airport marks, I think, hope and optimism."
