Donald Trump says the US has reached a deal with Denmark and Greenland giving Washington permanent control over Greenland’s security.
US President Donald Trump has announced a new agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he says gives the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security, including the ability to take whatever steps Washington considers necessary to defend the territory and US interests.
Trump said the agreement would also prevent US adversaries from establishing military bases, deploying troops or making sensitive investments in Greenland without American approval. He described it as an “Infinite Life” Agreement, saying it would have no end.
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Denmark and Greenland have welcomed the prospect of an agreement and said it is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.
Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social, saying the agreement had been negotiated with representatives from Denmark and Greenland and would address what he called US security concerns over the strategically important Arctic territory.
He also said the arrangement would come at “NO COST” to the United States and that Washington would immediately begin developing a large military presence in Greenland, working with local authorities on its construction and development.
Why Trump wants a bigger US role in Greenland
Trump has repeatedly argued since returning to the White House in January 2025 that Greenland is strategically important to US national security. His push for greater American control over the territory had created tensions with Denmark, a NATO ally, and prompted strong opposition in Greenland.
The latest agreement focuses on security rather than a transfer of sovereignty, with Trump saying the US would have the long-term ability to secure and defend Greenland.
The United States already operates the Pituffik military base in northern Greenland. Reports have also indicated that Washington wants to establish additional military facilities in the southern part of the territory.
A 1951 defence agreement, updated in 2004, already allows the US to increase troop deployments and military installations in Greenland after notifying Denmark and Greenland.
The agreement announced by Trump would add another layer to that existing US military presence.
Russia, China and the Arctic security push
Trump's announcement places particular emphasis on keeping Russia and China out of Greenland.
He said no US adversary would be allowed to establish a base, maintain a military presence or make sensitive investments in Greenland without Washington's express written approval.
A US State Department official separately said the agreement would prevent China and Russia from establishing bases or sending troops to Greenland, while also creating mechanisms to block investment in sensitive sectors.
The Arctic has become an increasingly important security area as Russia, China and the United States compete for strategic influence in the region.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she was pleased that there was now a prospect of a deal that would be good for Greenland, Denmark, the US, NATO and Europe.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement would strengthen the territory's security.
With AFP inputs
Published: 19 Sept 2026, 08:09 am IST
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