Trump Wanted Greenland, Now He Has a Deal: President Says US Will Get ‘Permanent Control’ Over Security as Military Presence Expands

On Friday, President Donald Trump said that the U.S. reached a new agreement with Denmark and Greenland that would give Washington a permanent security role in the strategically important Arctic region while paving the way for a larger American military presence.

Trump Says Greenland Deal Gives US ‘Permanent Control’ Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, saying it would "completely" address U.S. concerns about Greenland.

"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," Trump wrote.

He said the U.S. would "immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence" in Greenland and stated there would be "NO COST" to the U.S.

Trump also said the agreement would prevent U.S. adversaries from establishing military bases or making sensitive investments on the island without American approval.

Source: Truth Social Read Also: Trump Weighs New Semiconductor Tariffs That Could Hit AI Data Center Servers, Laptops and Gaming Consoles: Report

Greenland Remains Under Danish Sovereignty The agreement does not transfer Greenland to the U.S.

Denmark and Greenland said the pact recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.

The U.S. already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base under a longstanding defense arrangement with Denmark.

US, Denmark and Greenland to Sign Deal Next Week The agreement is expected to be formally signed during the UN General Assembly next week. It will still require the necessary parliamentary procedures in Denmark and Greenland.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement "recognizes Greenland’s interests and our place in international cooperation."

Expected agreement on strengthened security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic Area

— Statsministeriet (@Statsmin) September 18, 2026

The deal marks a significant shift from Trump’s earlier push to acquire Greenland outright.

Greenland has repeatedly said it is not for sale, while the EU earlier this year collectively pushed back against Trump’s efforts to acquire the Arctic territory.