US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, that the United States would build two major military bases in Greenland under a landmark agreement with Denmark — one that he said grants Washington permanent control over security on the strategically vital Arctic island. The announcement came during Trump's address to the UN General Assembly in New York, marking one of the most consequential geopolitical moves in recent Arctic history.

What the Agreement Covers

Trump described the deal — struck with the Kingdom of Denmark and the government of Greenland — as unprecedented in scope. Under its terms, the United States would hold broad authority over security and, in his words, 'all other needs' on the territory. He confirmed the agreement was expected to be signed later the same day.

'This agreement, made with the Kingdom of Denmark, an incredible, beautiful country. And the Greenland people itself gives the United States permanent control over security and all other needs on that territory,' Trump said in his UN address.

Military Build-Up and Adversary Restrictions

Trump said Washington would 'immediately begin the process' of expanding its military footprint across Greenland, with construction of two very major military bases at what he termed 'appropriate locations.' He also announced that US-designated adversaries would be barred from establishing any military presence on the island and prohibited from making sensitive investments without prior written US approval.

'No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland anymore or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval,' he said. Trump did not name the specific countries covered by this restriction, though Washington has repeatedly flagged growing strategic competition in the Arctic — particularly involving Russia and China.

Strategic and NATO Dimensions

Trump framed the agreement as a cornerstone of broader transatlantic security, arguing that an expanded American presence in Greenland would protect not only North America but also Europe. He linked the deal to NATO's evolving posture, praising NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and pointing to the alliance's move to raise defence spending targets.

Notably, this development comes amid sustained US pressure on NATO members to increase defence contributions — a signature demand of Trump's foreign policy since his first term. An enlarged American footprint in Greenland would extend Washington's strategic reach deeper into the North Atlantic and Arctic corridors.

Why the Arctic Matters Now

The Arctic has grown sharply in geopolitical importance over the past decade. Accelerating ice melt has opened new maritime routes, while the region holds significant reserves of critical minerals essential to defence and technology supply chains. The competition among the United States, Russia, and China for influence over these routes and resources has intensified, making Greenland — positioned between North America and Europe — a pivotal strategic asset.

This is not the first time Trump has pursued expanded US influence in Greenland; he floated the idea of purchasing the island during his first term, drawing a sharp rebuke from Copenhagen at the time. Tuesday's agreement marks a dramatic shift from that earlier rebuff to formal treaty-level cooperation.

What Comes Next

With the agreement set to be signed on 22 September, attention will now turn to the specific terms of the pact, the timeline for base construction, and the formal response from other Arctic powers. Greenland's own government — which has long sought greater autonomy — and Denmark's parliament will face scrutiny over the sovereignty implications of granting the US 'permanent control' language. Analysts are expected to closely parse what 'all other needs' means in practice beyond security.