A sweeping new pact between the United States, Denmark and Greenland will hand Washington what President Donald Trump called “permanent control” over Greenland’s security—an arrangement he says will shut out Russian and Chinese military footholds in the strategically vital Arctic territory.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Mr Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs control of Greenland for strategic reasons, pointing to the island’s growing importance in Arctic security and competition among major powers.
Denmark and Greenland—an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark—welcomed the agreement, saying they plan to sign it on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
“I am pleased to announce that the United States of America has entered into an Agreement with The Kingdom of Denmark, and Greenland, that gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland,” Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.
“From now on, no US adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval.”
The 80-year-old described the arrangement as an “infinite” deal and said Washington would begin immediately to build up a large military presence on the island.
In a statement, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signaled support, saying: “I am pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States.”
Ms Frederiksen said the deal was “good for NATO and Europe,” arguing it would bolster security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic—regions where allies have increasingly focused on surveillance, access and deterrence.
Mr Trump has repeatedly warned that Russia and China are seeking to establish a foothold in Greenland as the Arctic becomes a focal point in a broader contest for territory and influence.
“This agreement guarantees that China and Russia cannot have a base in Greenland, they cannot send troops to Greenland, and the necessary mechanisms are in place to prevent investment in sensitive sectors,” a US State Department official said.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also endorsed the accord, saying the deal with the United States “strengthens” the territory’s security.
The announcement follows Mr Trump’s remarks at the Davos economic forum in January, where he said he had reached a purported agreement with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Greenland’s future, though the terms of that understanding have remained vague.
Mr Trump did not explain how the new deal would operate in practice, and it remains unclear whether it is connected to the earlier NATO understanding or differs substantially from it.
Several media outlets have reported that the United States wants to open three new military bases in southern Greenland, expanding beyond the Pituffik base it already operates in the north of the territory.
A 1951 defence pact, updated in 2004, already allows Washington to increase troop deployments and military installations on the island as long as it informs Denmark and Greenland in advance.
