Event
US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to expand the US military presence in Greenland while respecting Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty. The agreement, which grants the US permanent control over security in the territory, is expected to be signed by the three governments during the UN General Assembly next week. However, the deal still requires parliamentary approval from both Denmark and Greenland to be enforced.
3 published stories · security · source reliability 67%
The agreement, expected to be signed at the UN General Assembly, resolves a sovereignty dispute by granting Washington security authority while Copenhagen insists on retaining territorial integrity.
President Trump announced an agreement granting the US permanent security control in Greenland, a move that follows months of tension and requires ratification by Danish and Greenlandic parliaments.
Washington and Copenhagen have finalised a security agreement for Greenland, a move that grants the US significant strategic leverage while Copenhagen insists on preserving the island’s sovereignty.
Background
US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to expand the US military presence in Greenland, granting the US permanent control over security in the territory. The agreement is framed as respecting Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty and self-determination. This development follows Trump’s previous calls for Denmark to sell the island and threats of military force, which had caused an existential crisis for Denmark and drawn opposition from Russia and the European Union.
US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Denmark to expand the US military presence in Greenland, granting the US permanent control over security in the territory. The agreement is framed as respecting Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty and self-determination. This develop
Fact cards
Key entities: Donald Trump, Denmark, Greenland, United States, Mette Frederiksen.
What does the new Greenland deal entail? The US will build a large military presence in Greenland and gain permanent control over security, while Denmark and Greenland retain sovereignty. When will the deal be signed? It is expected to be signed by the three governments during th
France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260918-greenland-denmark-us-deal-un-general-assembly | published 2026-09-18T22:18:14.000Z | primary source | France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260918-greenland-denmark-us-deal-un-general-a
2025: Trump returns to the White House and calls on Denmark to sell Greenland, citing US security needs. Early 2026: The European Union unites to rebuke Trump over his push to acquire the island. 2026-09-18: Trump announces a deal with Denmark to expand the US military presence i
Timeline
Trump returns to the White House and calls on Denmark to sell Greenland, citing US security needs.
The European Union unites to rebuke Trump over his push to acquire the island.
Trump announces a deal with Denmark to expand the US military presence in Greenland.
The agreement is expected to be signed by the US, Denmark, and Greenland during the UN General Assembly.
FAQ
The US will build a large military presence in Greenland and gain permanent control over security, while Denmark and Greenland retain sovereignty.
It is expected to be signed by the three governments during the UN General Assembly next week.
No, it still requires parliamentary approval from both Denmark and Greenland to be enforced.
The EU united earlier in 2026 to rebuke Trump over his push to acquire the island.
Denmark’s Prime Minister confirmed the deal recognises the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark.
No, the agreement requires parliamentary approval from both the Danish and Greenlandic governments to be enforceable.
The agreement is scheduled to be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week.
US President Donald Trump stated the deal grants the US "permanent control over security" and prevents US adversaries from maintaining a military presence or making sensitive investments without written approval.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confirmed the agreement strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognising the sovereignty of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
Greenland has consistently maintained that the island is not for sale.