US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have formalised a trilateral agreement that significantly increases the US military footprint in Greenland. This agreement was signed on September 22, 2026, during Trump’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The pact signifies a clear departure from Trump’s previous demands for the purchase of Greenland, a territory he had previously touted as vital for national security due to perceived threats from Russia and China in the Arctic region. Under the terms of this new agreement, the US will be permitted to deploy a “Golden Dome” missile defence system in Greenland. Additionally, two military bases located in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig will be established.

The US currently operates the Pituffik Space Base in the northwestern part of the island, but this agreement further solidifies its military presence. Trump’s earlier insistence on acquiring Greenland had led to strained diplomatic relations with Denmark and Greenland, following comments that suggested military or economic coercion as potential means of annexation. However, with this new agreement, the focus has shifted to strategic collaboration and defence.

Security Control and Military Restrictions

During his address at the UN prior to the signing, Trump asserted that the new agreement would provide the US with “permanent control over security and all other needs on that territory.” He further stated that no foreign adversary would be entitled to establish military bases or make significant investments without prior written consent from Washington.

This aspect of the agreement amends the 1951 US-Denmark defence treaty, which serves as the legal foundation for the US military presence in Greenland. The agreement also authorises the United States to explore the establishment of additional military bases in the future, contingent on mutual consent.

Notably, it imposes restrictions on the presence of non-NATO countries in Greenland, denying them the capability to set up military installations on the island. Furthermore, the deal lacks a specified termination date and grants US military aircraft and vessels extensive access to both Greenland and its territorial waters. This allows for operational flexibility in the region, amid growing geopolitical concerns.

Greenland’s Emphasis on Self-Determination

Frederiksen underscored the agreement as one potentially lasting indefinitely, reinforcing its alignment with NATO objectives while respecting Greenland’s right to self-governance. Jens-Frederik Nielsen echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of NATO’s presence in the Arctic and the need for Greenland to rebuild trust with the US in light of previous tensions.

The agreement introduces limitations on foreign investments, specifically restricting control or considerable influence by investors from outside NATO and EU countries within sensitive sectors, including critical infrastructure and resource extraction. This provision aims to ensure that Greenland retains significant oversight over its strategic resources.

Greenland, which operates as a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, holds a pivotal geographical position between North America and the Arctic. The island is also abundant in energy and mineral resources, further heightening its strategic significance.

While the agreement has been signed, it is yet to receive approval from the parliaments of both Denmark and Greenland. Should it pass through legislative channels, this deal could signify the most substantial enhancement of US military infrastructure in Greenland since the Cold War, during which the US maintained numerous installations and a large military presence on the island.

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