The United States and Denmark have announced a deal on Greenland’s security, easing a diplomatic crisis sparked by President Donald Trump’s months-long threats to seize the semi-autonomous Danish territory, the BBC reported.
Trump said the agreement would grant the US “permanent control over security, and all other needs,” at “no cost to the United States,” and allow Washington to “do what is necessary” to secure and defend Greenland. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the deal strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic while recognising the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.
What officials say is in the pact
No full text has been released. An unnamed US State Department official outlined provisions to the BBC without publishing the document. Among them: the deal would not expire even if Greenland later became independent; the US would have unilateral power to build additional military structures without Greenland or Danish approval; permanent access, basing and overflight rights; a ban on non-Nato countries building bases; and a ban on adversaries — specifically referencing Russia and China — making investments in sensitive sectors that could threaten the United States.
Trump also said no US adversary could maintain a military presence in Greenland or make sensitive investments without express written US approval.
Sovereignty language from Copenhagen and Nuuk
Frederiksen confirmed the agreement would be signed at the United Nations General Assembly next week and still needs parliamentary approval to enter into force. Greenland government chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen called it “gratifying” that an agreement ensuring and strengthening security was near, saying it recognises Greenland’s interests and place in international cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the pact a “historic deal” and a “huge win,” saying it “permanently and completely addresses our national security concerns in Greenland.”
Why Greenland became a flashpoint
Trump had pressed for months to purchase or annex the mineral-rich territory, citing strategic location and vulnerability to Russia and China, and even floated military action — drawing an outcry from Danes and other Nato allies. The US already stations more than 100 personnel at Pituffik Space Base in north-western Greenland under a long-standing defence relationship with Denmark dating to a 1951 agreement.
Trump has argued Greenland is essential for a “Golden Dome” missile defence concept against Russia and China. The island also holds largely untapped rare-earth mineral reserves used in phones, electric vehicles and other technologies.
Without the official text, it remains unclear how far the new deal goes beyond existing US rights under the 1951 framework. What is clear is the political trade: Washington claims permanent security control language, while Copenhagen and Nuuk insist Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination remain recognised — with legislators still to vote.
Based on BBC reporting dated 19 September 2026.