President Trump and Denmark are expected to sign a deal on Greenland next week that expands U.S. military access and screens sensitive investments while leaving Danish sovereignty intact.

President Donald Trump announced Friday, September 18, 2026, that the United States, Denmark, and Greenland have reached an agreement granting the U.S. “permanent control over security and all other needs” in Greenland. The deal stops short of any transfer of territory. Danish and Greenlandic leaders confirmed the outlines and said the three governments expect to sign during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

UNGA High-Level Week runs September 18–28, 2026, with the General Debate beginning Tuesday, September 22. The signing is slated for next week on the sidelines of those meetings, after which the agreement must still pass Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary procedures before it takes effect.

Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social. The original post is available at https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117294126158197822.

The full text reads:“BREAKING NEWS: I am pleased to announce that 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. concerns.There will be NO COST to the United States!At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America.Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have 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 known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it.I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation.This is an “Infinite Life” Agreement, there is no end!We are very honored and proud of what has just taken place, and everything agreed to today will be cherished by the American People.We will immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence in the appropriate part of Greenland, of which there are many.We will work with the people of Greenland in its development and construction.This solution is a great one for the United States of America, Denmark, Greenland, and all of our Allies.”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen’s office and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen issued statements emphasizing that the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination. No land is transferred to the United States.

What’s in the Deal: Military Bases, Mining, and Oil

The full text has not been released. Reporting from U.S. officials and the parties describes these core elements:

Permanent U.S. basing, access, and overflight rights. The United States can expand its military footprint and build additional bases. The existing Pituffik Space Base in northwest Greenland already supports missile warning, missile defense, and space surveillance. Trump said the U.S. will “immediately begin the process of developing a large Military presence.” The arrangement is intended to remain in force even if Greenland later becomes independent.

A ban on non-NATO military bases or troop presence. Russia and China cannot establish bases or a military presence.

A screening mechanism for “sensitive investments.” Non-allies are restricted from investments that could threaten U.S. security, with explicit mention of critical minerals and mining sectors. This is the main resource provision publicly described. Greenland holds significant rare-earth and other critical-mineral deposits important for defense, electronics, and energy technologies.

Oil is not listed as a core term of this security agreement. Separate U.S.-linked interest in Greenland oil exploration has existed independently, including a project tied to American figures that Greenland authorities have delayed. The deal itself focuses on security access and investment screening rather than granting the United States direct oil or mining concessions.

The pact builds on the 1951 U.S.-Denmark Defense of Greenland Treaty and is described as having no expiration date.

Benefits to the United States and Denmark/GreenlandFor the United States, the agreement delivers lasting strategic position in the Arctic at no reported cost. It locks in military access for missile defense and early warning, keeps adversaries out of bases and sensitive sectors, and supports energy-security goals by limiting rival investment in critical minerals. Trump called it a “dream come true” and an “Infinite Life” agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it “permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.”

For Denmark and Greenland, the deal ends months of tension sparked by earlier U.S. statements about acquiring the island. It affirms Danish sovereignty and Greenland’s right to choose its political future, including possible independence. Both governments say it strengthens Arctic and North Atlantic security, benefits NATO and Europe, and supports Greenland’s development through cooperation on construction and infrastructure. Greenland’s premier called it beneficial to all three parties and consistent with Greenlandic interests.

Geographic Impact on Canada

Greenland sits immediately east of Canada’s Nunavut territory, separated by Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait. An expanded U.S. military presence there strengthens the eastern approach to North America and complements existing NORAD and Arctic defense architecture that already links Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.

Canada stands to gain from improved detection of missiles, aircraft, and maritime activity approaching the continent from the Arctic or North Atlantic. At the same time, a more permanent and larger U.S. role on Greenland’s eastern flank could shift the balance of influence in the Arctic, an area where Canada asserts its own sovereignty, resource rights, and Northwest Passage claims. Ottawa has emphasized Arctic defense modernization; this deal adds another layer of U.S. capability on Canada’s doorstep without changing Canadian territory. Overall, the deal tightens the North American defensive arc from Alaska through Canada to Greenland, while leaving Canada to manage long-term Arctic governance and resource competition with both Washington and Copenhagen.

The agreement is not yet signed or ratified. Details on exact base locations, investment-screening rules, and any energy-project implications will become clearer after the New York signing and parliamentary reviews.

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