Trump Says US, Denmark Reach Deal To Expand Military Presence In Greenland

September 19, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump on Friday announced that the United States has entered into an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that he said would give Washington “permanent control” over security and other security needs in Greenland.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the agreement addresses what he described as US security concerns and would allow the United States to develop a larger military presence on the strategically important Arctic island.

BREAKING NEWS: 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, completely addressing ALL of our…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2026

“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, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns,” Trump wrote.

He said there would be “NO COST” to the United States and claimed the agreement would ensure that Washington would have the ability to take necessary measures to secure and defend Greenland and the United States.

Trump Says US Will Develop Larger Military Presence

Trump said his administration would “immediately” begin the process of developing a large US military presence in Greenland.

“We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many. We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction,” he said.

Trump also said that no US adversary would be allowed to establish a base, maintain a military presence or make sensitive investments in Greenland without Washington’s express written approval.

“Additionally, from now on, no U.S. 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,” he wrote.

The agreement is described by Trump as an “Infinite Life” agreement, meaning it would have no end. He also called the development “historic” and said it was a “dream come true” for the United States.

Denmark Says Greenland Sovereignty Remains Intact

The Danish government said the agreement with the United States is expected to be signed by the three governments next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. However, parliamentary action in both Denmark and Greenland is still required before the agreement can be enforced.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark, while upholding the right of the Greenlandic and Danish people to self-determination.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also welcomed the agreement, saying it benefits all three governments and recognises Greenland’s interests.

The agreement therefore does not transfer ownership of Greenland to the United States. Instead, current reports indicate that it is designed to expand the US military role and establish long-term security arrangements while Greenland remains under Danish sovereignty.

Deal Bars Rival Military Presence In Greenland

The agreement would prevent US adversaries, particularly non-NATO countries, from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without US approval. Reports also indicate that the arrangement would provide the United States with permanent access, basing and overflight rights.

Greenland’s strategic Arctic location has made it increasingly important to US and NATO security planning. The United States already has a military installation in northwest Greenland, and the new agreement is expected to provide a framework for a larger American military presence.

Trump’s announcement comes after months of tensions over his repeated calls for greater US control of Greenland, including earlier statements that he would not rule out using force to acquire the territory. The new agreement instead keeps Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark while expanding Washington’s security role.

Important: Since the agreement still requires parliamentary action before it can take effect, I would use “Trump Says US, Denmark Reach Deal” rather than “US Takes Control of Greenland” or “US Gets Greenland.” That is more accurate to the current status.