Trump signs Greenland security deal with Denmark at UN General Assembly

September 22, 2026 at 09:10 PM2 min

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U.S. President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed an agreement transferring security control of Greenland to Washington at the UN General Assembly in New York. The deal grants the U.S. permanent authority over security on the island and allows it to expand its Arctic military presence and establish new bases. Denmark and Greenland stated the agreement preserves their sovereignty and that regional security activities will be conducted under NATO.

Key Facts

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The U.S. receives permanent authority over security in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
The deal allows the U.S. to increase its military presence in the Arctic and establish new bases.
Third countries cannot have a military presence or make strategic investments in Greenland without U.S. approval.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is working on placing at least two military bases in Greenland.

Signing Ceremony

The signing took place during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York. The White House announced the agreement on X. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that the agreement respects Denmark's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as Greenland's right to self-determination. President Trump said the deal would strengthen relations between the U.S. and the Danish island.

Security Provisions

The agreement grants the U.S. permanent authority over security matters in Greenland. It enables the U.S. to expand its military presence in the Arctic and establish new bases. Third countries are barred from military presence or strategic investments in Greenland without U.S. approval. Denmark and Greenland stated that regional security activities will be conducted under NATO. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said the U.S. is working on placing at least two military bases in Greenland.

Reactions

Trump called the agreement "unprecedented" and said it gives the U.S. permanent control over the security and needs of Greenland. He added that the U.S. will have full authority to do what is necessary to defend the American continent, Europe and other regions. Frederiksen said the deal takes into account the interests of all parties.