‘A Dream Come True’: Trump Hails Greenland Deal, Hints At Increasing Military Presence In Region

Last Updated:September 19, 2026, 4:05 PM IST

Under the deal, countries outside NATO will be barred from establishing military bases on Greenland, while the US and its allies will have greater scope to expand their presence.

US President Donald Trump. (Photo: AFP file)

The United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that will allow Washington to significantly expand its military footprint on the Arctic island, but does not give the US ownership or control of Greenland, Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump announced the deal on Truth Social on Friday, describing it as an open-ended arrangement. He said Washington would “FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland” to ensure its security, calling the agreement “a dream come true for the United States of America”.

The agreement marks a major expansion of US military access but falls short of Trump’s earlier push to acquire Greenland and make it part of his country.

Under the arrangement, countries outside NATO will be barred from establishing military bases on Greenland, while the US and its allies will have greater scope to expand their presence. Washington already has extensive military rights on the island under a 1951 treaty and operates a Space Force facility in northwest Greenland.

Denmark welcomed the agreement, saying it would strengthen security across the North Atlantic and Arctic. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the deal respected Greenland’s interests and its international role, adding: “This benefits us all.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement addresses Washington’s security concerns about Greenland “permanently and completely”. A US State Department official said the US would retain permanent rights to access Greenland, use bases and fly over the territory, even if Greenland becomes independent.

However, it remains uncertain whether the agreement will lead to new US bases. According to the Reuters report, several details remain unclear.

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What are the key terms of the new US, Denmark, and Greenland military agreement?

The agreement allows Washington to significantly expand its military footprint and access on the Arctic island while barring non-NATO countries from establishing military bases there, though it falls short of giving the US ownership or control of Greenland.

Does the new military agreement give the United States ownership or control of Greenland?

No, the arrangement does not give the US ownership or control of Greenland, but it provides an open-ended framework where Washington retains permanent rights to access the territory, use bases, and ensure security.

How did Denmark and Greenland officials respond to the security arrangement?

Denmark welcomed the deal to strengthen North Atlantic and Arctic security, while Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated that the agreement successfully respected Greenland’s interests and international role.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More

Read More