Trump signs Greenland security agreement with Denmark, granting US broader military access

US President Donald Trump signed a security agreement with Denmark and Greenland on Tuesday in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Trump described the moment as the start of a long-term, "fantastic" relationship.

Earlier that day, addressing the UN General Assembly, Trump said the US would immediately begin building a significant military presence in Greenland, including two very large military bases.

What the agreement covers

The document, published by the Danish government, allows Washington to modernize and expand operations at the Pituffik base in northwestern Greenland. The US will also be permitted to establish "defense zones" in Narsarsuaq in the south and Mestersvig in the east, and may create additional defense zones elsewhere on the island while stepping up military operations and facilities. Contracts for goods and services tied to building, maintaining or dismantling such bases will, as far as possible, go to Greenlandic suppliers.

The agreement grants the US broad military mobility across Greenland's territory, including underwater access. Countries that are not NATO members will be barred from establishing military facilities or maintaining a "permanent" military presence in Greenland unless the signatories agree otherwise. The deal has no end date, and if Greenland chooses independence, it has agreed to remain within NATO and assume Denmark's rights and obligations under the agreement.

Political reaction

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Friday that the US and Denmark had reached an agreement to strengthen security in Greenland, calling it good for both NATO and Europe. She said the deal recognizes the Kingdom of Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Greenlanders' right to self-determination.

On Friday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the agreement gives the US permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland, adding that no adversary of the US would be allowed to have a base, maintain a military presence, or make sensitive investments in Greenland without Washington's explicit written consent.

Greenland's government leader, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, welcomed the deal, saying it secures and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the US and the Western alliance, and recognizes Greenland's interests.

The agreement still requires the necessary parliamentary procedures before it takes effect. Since returning to the White House in January of this year, Trump has repeatedly insisted the US needs control over Greenland for strategic reasons, prompting concern in Denmark and resistance from within NATO.