US President Donald Trump signed a security agreement with Denmark and Greenland to enhance Arctic and North Atlantic security on September 22, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly. The agreement was signed by Trump, Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The White House released the text of the deal shortly after the signing.
The agreement, which Trump first announced earlier in the month, aims to bolster the US military presence in Greenland. It includes plans to reestablish a military base in Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and another base in Mestersvig on the eastern coast. During his speech at the UN General Assembly, Trump stated that the US would "immediately begin the process of developing a significant military presence in appropriate locations and constructing two very important military bases." He described the deal as "tremendous" for Europe and the US, and noted its significance for Greenland.
The agreement allows the US to modernize and expand its activities at the Space Force base and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. The deal follows months of discussions among American, Danish, and Greenlandic officials to address security concerns regarding the resource-rich island.
The negotiations had previously caused tension among Greenlanders and strained relations between the US, Denmark, and the European Union, which increased security exercises and financial support for Greenland. Greenland's strategic importance has grown due to trade interests and potential resource development, especially as melting sea ice opens new maritime routes.
Historically, the US had a significant military presence in Greenland, with thousands of troops stationed at 17 bases and installations, but this has declined since 1945, leaving about 200 personnel at Pituffik Space Base today. Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen characterized the agreement as a "win-win arrangement." Last year, the Danish Parliament approved a bill allowing US military bases on Danish territory, expanding an agreement reached with the Biden administration in 2023, which granted US forces broad access to air bases in Denmark.
The new agreement provides US military forces with broad freedom of movement in Greenland and its territorial waters, while restricting non-NATO countries from establishing military facilities in Greenland without the agreement of the signatories. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the signing, stating that it enhances collective security in the region.
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