US, Denmark, Greenland agree on permanent security pact for Arctic island

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland announced a security agreement on September 18, 2026, granting Washington permanent control over the island's defense. US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social, stating it gives the US "permanent control over security, and all other needs" in Greenland with no expiration date and no cost to the United States.

The agreement prevents hostile nations from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments in Greenland without explicit US written approval. Trump said the US would immediately begin expanding its military presence on the island. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the deal as a "historic" agreement, stating that Denmark and Greenland lack the financial means to defend the territory independently. An unnamed US State Department official outlined provisions including permanent US access, basing and overflight rights, and unilateral power to build additional military structures without approval from Denmark or Greenland.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the agreement will be signed during the UN General Assembly in New York the following week, emphasizing that it "strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area" while recognizing "the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the Greenlandic people's right to self-determination." Greenland's Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated the deal "recognises Greenland's interests and our place in international co-operation."

The pact follows months of diplomatic tension sparked by Trump's repeated threats to acquire or annex Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral wealth as essential to US national security. Trump cited concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. The agreement will remain in effect even if Greenland becomes independent in the future and requires parliamentary approval in both Denmark and Greenland before entering into force.

The US maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland under an existing 1951 defense agreement with Denmark. Full details of how the new agreement differs from the 1951 pact remain unclear, as the official text has not been released.