Just hours after Denmark’s Chief of Defence offered a permanent presence of Danish soldiers in Greenland, Trump announced that a security agreement had been concluded with Denmark granting the US full rights and a veto over the entry of foreign nations. The agreement has no expiry date. Trump appears to have got everything he asked for, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is not protesting. It came as a surprise.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed during the UN High-Level Week next week.
Danish newspapers report that no information has been provided by either the Danish or Greenlandic governments regarding the content of the agreement. That is strange.
The head of the Greenlandic government is positive.
– It is gratifying that we are in the process of concluding an agreement that safeguards and strengthens security for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the USA and the Western Alliance. The agreement recognises Greenland’s interests and our place in international cooperation. This is to the benefit of us all,” says Greenland’s head of government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
Mette Frederiksen is more reserved.
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, says she is pleased that there are prospects for a good agreement for Greenland, Denmark and the US.
– An agreement that strengthens our shared security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic region, and is therefore also beneficial for NATO and Europe. And an agreement that, at the same time, recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.
Foreign Minister Marco Rubio wrote on X that the agreement is a major victory for the US.
This historic deal is a huge win for the United States and the American people. Thanks to President Trump’s vision and leadership, this historic agreement permanently guarantees US security interests in the Arctic at zero cost to the US taxpayer.
Greenland will forever be… https://t.co/DPCiSEhoFS
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) 19 September 2026
Trump says they will immediately begin building military infrastructure.
I am delighted to announce that the United States has entered into an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland, which grants the US permanent control over security and all other matters in Greenland, and which fully addresses ALL our many concerns. This will NOT entail any costs for the US!
On my instructions, we have worked with representatives from Denmark and Greenland to ensure that the US will, FOREVER, have full scope to do whatever is necessary in Greenland to safeguard and defend security both in Greenland and in the US. Furthermore, from now on, none of the United States’ adversaries will EVER be able to maintain a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland or make sensitive investments in Greenland without our express written approval.
For over 100 years, presidents have been aware of Greenland’s strategic importance, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it. I am proud to be the president who has permanently and finally resolved this extremely important issue. This is an agreement of ‘indefinite duration’ – it has no end! We are deeply honoured and proud of what has just taken place, and everything that has been agreed today will be appreciated by the American people.
We will immediately begin the process of establishing a comprehensive military presence in the relevant part of Greenland – and there are many such locations. We will work together with the people of Greenland on the development and construction. This solution is excellent for the United States, Denmark, Greenland and all our allies. We look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland towards a brilliant future for this vast and highly strategic territory. We will protect it tooth and nail! This is a dream come true for the United States, a dream that is extremely important, historic and special. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP
If Trump succeeds in securing permanent control of Greenland, it will be a major victory for both his administration and the US in the long term. Trump intends to use Greenland as part of his plan to build a missile defence shield over North America.
One might wonder whether Friday’s announcement was an attempt to throw a spanner in the works of the agreement.
Danish soldiers are ready to be permanently stationed in Greenland if politicians so wish, says Denmark’s Chief of Defence, Peter Boysen.
Since January, combat-trained Danish soldiers have been in Greenland for exercises, and in August a group of conscripts was also on the island. NATO’s Arctic Sentry exercise is also currently taking place around Greenland, involving, amongst other things, Danish F-35 aircraft.
– It makes good sense to continue with the army contribution. It is highly relevant that we continue to be up there,” Boysen told the Danish TV 2.
Boysen goes on to point out that the army’s knowledge of the terrain and climate in Greenland is useful.
“It is crucial for security both in Denmark and in the Arctic that the Danish Armed Forces are present and conduct exercises in Greenland,” says Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus.
‘The government is in ongoing discussions with Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut (Greenland’s government, ed.), the Faroe Islands’ Landsstyre and the Defence Policy Committee, based on the recommendations of the Chief of Defence, he says.
The Chief of Defence must have known that an agreement had been reached. Why would he offer permanent deployment?
