President Trump announced a deal granting the United States permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. This decision follows his push to increase U.S. influence over the Arctic island. Both Greenland and Denmark, which manages the semi-autonomous region, have confirmed the agreement. It is set for signing in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly, according to two U.S. officials.
The deal does not imply a complete U.S. takeover, dispelling Trump’s earlier suggestions that unsettled Denmark and NATO members. A State Department official stated that the U.S. is assured permanent access and overflight rights, enabling a potential increase in military bases. The agreement also prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing bases and restricts adversaries from investing in Greenland.
Even if Greenland achieves full independence, the deal remains valid. In a Truth Social post, Trump expressed plans to expand the U.S. presence in Greenland. The island has hosted a U.S. base since the 1950s. “We will immediately begin the process of developing a large military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland,” he stated. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the deal as a significant achievement for national security.
Greenland will forever be part of the strategic defense area of North America and exclude any adversary from it and the surrounding area,” Rubio commented.
The NATO military exercise Arctic Shield 2026, involving approximately 400 soldiers from about 10 NATO nations, was conducted recently in Greenland. President Trump’s interest in Greenland has been consistent, highlighting its strategic location between North America and Europe and its proximity to Russia across the Arctic Ocean. He had previously sought to buy Greenland from Denmark, an idea consistently rejected by Danish and Greenlandic officials.
Trump had even threatened heavy tariffs against Denmark and other nations opposing the purchase. The administration considered military force to gain control over the island. Denmark warned that a U.S. takeover could end the NATO alliance, with other member states standing with Denmark against Trump’s annexation efforts.
In January, Trump called off tariff plans and military actions in Greenland, stating a framework with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in place for a future agreement. It’s unclear if the announced deal resulted from those discussions. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed satisfaction over the prospective agreement, citing strengthened security in the Arctic and North Atlantic areas as good for NATO and Europe.
The deal strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is thus also good for NATO and Europe,” Frederiksen commented.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen described the agreement as gratifying, recognizing Greenland’s role in international cooperation. The agreement will go through the necessary parliamentary processes in Denmark.