Key facts
- Greenland's government and residents expressed relief over a new military pact with the U.S. and Denmark, though many remain distrustful of Washington.
- The agreement allows the U.S. to expand its military presence on Greenland, reopening bases in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig.
- The deal amends and supplements a 1951 defense treaty between the U.S. and Denmark.
- The agreement prohibits non-NATO nations from establishing bases or mining critical minerals in Greenland without signatory consent.
- The deal reaffirms Danish sovereignty and Greenland's right to self-determination.
Eight months after threatening to annex Greenland, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a new security agreement with Denmark and Greenland on September 22, 2026. The deal, signed at the United Nations, aims to resolve disputes and grant the U.S. extensive military access and control over the Arctic territory. European allies had expressed alarm over Trump's earlier stance, which had strained transatlantic relations.
The agreement amends and supplements a 1951 defense treaty between the U.S. and Denmark. Key provisions include the establishment of two major U.S. military bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, refurbishing former and existing sites. The U.S. military will also have free access to air, land, and sea routes around these bases. Furthermore, the deal allows for the potential establishment of new drone warfare facilities, though Denmark and Greenland retain final say on their location and construction.
A significant new clause aims to prevent potential rivals, such as China and Russia, from gaining a military or economic foothold in Greenland. It stipulates that no non-NATO nation can establish a base or mine critical minerals without the agreement of all three signatories. Trump has previously voiced concerns about Russian and Chinese military activities in the region, though NATO officials have reportedly downplayed the extent of Chinese activity.
The agreement reaffirms Danish sovereignty and Greenland's right to self-determination, including the possibility of future independence. It also emphasizes the protection of Greenland's environment and the rights of its inhabitants. The financial implications for the U.S. remain unclear, as Trump stated there would be no cost to the United States, despite the significant infrastructure development planned.