The US and Denmark announced a deal on Greenland's security that both sides say is expected to be signed next week at the UN General Assembly, but no text has been released. Trump said the agreement gives the US 'permanent control over security, and all other needs' in Greenland, while Denmark's and Greenland's prime ministers said it strengthens regional security while recognising the Kingdom's sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination.

This account currently relies on BBC News. We have not independently corroborated it.

The announcement follows a year of unusually direct US threats against a NATO ally's territory, so how the final text balances US security demands against Greenlandic self-determination will matter for Arctic geopolitics and for trust within NATO. Danish commentators see it as a diplomatic win for Denmark, while Greenlandic politicians remain cautious until the details are confirmed.

Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1953, gained home rule in 1979, and further autonomy under a 2009 self-government act, though Denmark still controls its foreign and defence policy. A 1951 US-Denmark defense agreement, amended in 2004, already gives the US rights to operate a military base in Greenland. Trump first proposed buying Greenland in 2019, an idea Denmark and Greenland rejected, and revived the push after his 2024 election win, prompting Denmark to announce a $2 billion Arctic defence package and leading to friction after a visit by Vice President JD Vance in which he accused Denmark of failing to secure the island against Russia and China.

1. 1917US buys the Danish West Indies. After decades of negotiation and wartime pressure, the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25 million, with Denmark also recognising US interest in the region. Source
2. 1951US-Denmark Defense of Greenland Agreement. The US and Denmark signed a defense agreement under NATO auspices allowing a major expansion of the US military presence in Greenland, including the construction of what became Pituffik Space Base. Source
3. 20041951 agreement amended. The original defense agreement was updated to recognise Greenland's Home Rule government, requiring the Greenlandic flag to be flown at the base and giving Greenland the right to appoint a liaison officer. Source
4. 2009Greenland Self-Government Act. Greenland gained further autonomy over internal affairs under a new self-government act, while Denmark retained control of foreign affairs and defence. Source
5. 2019Trump's first Greenland purchase bid. Trump proposed buying Greenland during his first term, an idea rejected by Danish and Greenlandic authorities, leading him to cancel a state visit to Denmark. Source
6. 2025 (January)Denmark announces Arctic defence spending. Denmark said it would spend about $2 billion to bolster Arctic defences with new naval vessels and drones, following renewed threats from Trump to acquire Greenland. Source
7. 2025Vance visit and base commander's dismissal. Vice President JD Vance visited the US base in Greenland and accused Denmark of failing to secure the island against Russia and China; the base commander was later relieved after criticising the visit. Source

1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement. Both are bilateral US-Danish arrangements governing US military and security rights in Greenland, negotiated with Denmark rather than through outright territorial transfer.

Where the comparison breaks down: The 1951 pact was agreed cooperatively within a Cold War NATO context without threats of seizure, while the 2025 deal follows over a year of explicit Trump threats to annex or take Greenland by force.

• The text of the agreement has not been published, so its exact terms are unknown
• It is not yet clear what concessions, if any, either side has made
• The deal still needs to go through Danish and Greenlandic parliamentary procedures before it takes effect
• Greenlandic politicians have said they remain cautious until the agreement is finalised and its details confirmed

Watch for the planned signing at the UN General Assembly next week and the publication of the agreement's actual text, which will show whether it matches the competing characterisations from Washington and Copenhagen.

• BBC News: US and Denmark reach deal over Greenland after Trump annexation threats · Full article · 19 September 2026

Read the original reporting at the links above. Our analysis can be wrong and may change as evidence develops.

• The 1951 Agreement Allowing US Military in Greenland — HISTORY
• Greenland crisis — Wikipedia
• The US has tried to acquire Greenland before – and failed — CNN Politics
• Greenland: Home rule, new international relations and US interest — House of Commons Library