US, Denmark and Greenland Reach Deal to Expand American Military Presence

The United States, Denmark and Greenland have reached an agreement allowing Washington to expand its military presence in Greenland while restricting US adversaries from establishing bases or making sensitive investments on the Arctic island.

President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Friday, saying the arrangement has no expiration date and gives the United States broad authority to protect its security interests in Greenland.

Trump said representatives from Denmark and Greenland had worked with his administration to ensure the US would have the long-term ability to take necessary measures to defend both Greenland and the United States.

The announcement follows reports that Washington and Copenhagen were nearing an agreement to increase the US military footprint in Greenland without transferring ownership of the Danish autonomous territory to the United States.

Washington already enjoys extensive basing and overflight rights in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement. Greenland also hosts a US Space Force installation in the island's remote northwest. Trump said a significantly larger American military presence would soon be introduced, although details about possible new bases were not disclosed.

Denmark's prime minister's office said the agreement would strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the arrangement recognizes Greenland's interests and its role in international cooperation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the deal permanently addresses American national security concerns surrounding Greenland and establishes the island as part of North America's strategic defense area.

According to a State Department official, the agreement prevents non-NATO countries from constructing military bases in Greenland. Sensitive investments would also be limited to the United States and its allies.

The official said Washington would receive permanent access, basing and overflight rights under the agreement, with those provisions remaining in effect even if Greenland eventually becomes independent.

Questions remain over the precise scope of the deal, including whether additional US military bases will be constructed and how Greenland's population will respond to an expanded American presence.