US reaches defense agreement with Denmark and Greenland to expand military access

Terms of the Arctic defense pact

United States President Donald Trump announced that the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have finalized a trilateral defense agreement establishing long-term American military access across the Arctic island. In a statement published on Truth Social late on 18 September 2026, Trump stated that the arrangement carries no financial cost to the United States and has no expiration date. Under the provisions, the United States military will immediately begin deploying armed forces to designated sections of Greenland. The arrangement permits Washington to expand its base count across the island as operational needs dictate, ensuring American forces can act in Greenland to defend both the territory and the North American continent.

Trump outlined the scope of the defense agreement in his announcement.

“We worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the full ability to do whatever is necessary in Greenland to preserve and defend the security of Greenland, as well as the United States of America.”

Strategic limits on foreign rivals

The agreement establishes mandatory safeguards to prevent rival geopolitical powers from securing a military or commercial foothold in the Arctic. An official from the United States State Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the provisions explicitly prohibit China and Russia from stationing troops or building bases on Greenlandic territory. In addition, the framework establishes administrative mechanisms to prevent foreign capital from entering sensitive economic and infrastructure sectors. Trump confirmed that adversaries cannot establish installations or execute sensitive investments without prior written clearance from the United States government. The United States also agreed to assist Greenland with regional infrastructure development and rebuilding initiatives.

Danish and Greenlandic positions

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen supported the pact following Trump's announcement, noting that the arrangement serves broader European and transatlantic defense interests. Frederiksen stated that the finalized text respects Danish territorial integrity while preserving Greenland's right to self-determination.

“The agreement is good for NATO and Europe, and it recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom, as well as the right of the people of Greenland to self-determination.”

Greenlandic head of government Jens-Frederik Nielsen also welcomed the compromise, noting that the pact solidifies security cooperation across the Atlantic while acknowledging Greenland's domestic priorities.

“The agreement guarantees and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States, and the Western alliance, while recognizing Greenland's interests and our position in international cooperation.”

Diplomatic background and New York signing

The trilateral agreement concludes negotiations following earlier proposals by Trump regarding the acquisition of Greenland, which had prompted objections from European allies. Officials familiar with the discussions told Reuters that while the compromise grants the Pentagon expanded operational latitude and base permissions, it falls substantially short of Trump's original goal of purchasing the territory outright. The formal signing ceremony for the defense pact is scheduled to take place next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where representatives from Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk will sign the finalized diplomatic text.