U.S., Denmark, and Greenland Sign Broad Military Security Pact

WASHINGTON — The United States, Denmark, and Greenland formalized a new security agreement on Tuesday, significantly expanding American military access to the North Atlantic territory. The signing took place in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, involving President Donald Trump, Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

According to the White House, the deal reaffirms Greenland’s sovereignty within the Kingdom of Denmark while granting the U.S. extensive rights to utilize the island’s airspace and territory. A key component of the agreement permits the expansion of the Pituffik Space Base, currently the northernmost U.S. military installation, which functions as an early-warning system for missile threats. Additionally, the U.S. will be able to propose new “defense areas” for further military sites.

The pact also introduces stricter screening measures for foreign investment from non-NATO and non-European Union nations, a move designed to curb influence from Russia and China. Non-NATO countries are explicitly barred from establishing bases on the island without unanimous consent from all three signatories. Notably, the agreement has no expiration date and remains in effect even if Greenland were to gain independence from Denmark in the future.

President Trump, who had previously faced criticism from NATO allies for suggesting the U.S. might purchase Greenland, described the new arrangement as granting permanent control over security on the territory. Speaking to the U.N. General Assembly prior to the ceremony, he stated the deal allows for the construction of two new bases and ensures no adversary can establish a military presence or make sensitive investments there without U.S. approval.

“This agreement… gives the United States permanent control over security and all other needs on that territory,” Trump said. “We will have the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American continent and also Europe and other places. No U.S. adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore.”

Greenlandic Premier Nielsen emphasized the evolving security landscape in the Arctic, noting that the world has changed dramatically since the original 1951 security pact was signed. He stated that the agreement clarifies Greenland’s loyalty and addresses long-term security threats identified by the U.S. president.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen added that the deal respects both the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland’s right to self-determination. Trump praised the partnership, saying, “We’re going to have a tremendous relationship, a secure relationship,” and called the signing a “real honor.”