Trump signs agreement giving U.S. broad military authority in Greenland

On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump, Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signed a new security agreement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The agreement solidifies the United States' military and security presence on the island of Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

President Trump, Nielsen, and Frederiksen weren't the only signatories; the deal also allows for the establishment of additional U.S. bases in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, roughly 950 miles apart.

The agreement upholds Greenland's sovereignty but enables the U.S. to expand the existing Pituffik Space Base, the northernmost U.S. military installation, which functions as an early-warning system for incoming missiles. It also allows the U.S. to construct two new bases at the previously mentioned sites as necessary, subject to approval from all parties. The agreement has no expiration date and prohibits non-NATO countries from establishing bases on the island without the agreement of the parties involved.

The deal persists even if Greenland eventually attains independence from Denmark. It also imposes stricter scrutiny on foreign investments from non-NATO and non-EU members, with the aim of fending off influence from China and Russia. Greenland and Denmark's leaders stressed that the agreement reflects the evolving security situation in the Arctic region.

Trump expressed his intentions to forge a robust and secure relationship with Greenland, vowing to collaborate closely. Nielsen affirmed that the world has transformed drastically since 1951, a reference to a prior security pact, and emphasized Greenland's recognition of the looming security threats. Frederiksen assured that the agreement respects Denmark's territorial integrity and Greenland's right to self-determination.

During a speech at the U.N. General Assembly prior to signing the deal, Trump pledged that the agreement grants the U.S. permanent control over security and all other necessities on Greenland's territory, enabling the U.S. to build two new bases in Greenland. The U.S. already possesses an active military base in the country. Trump declared that no U.S. adversary will be allowed to establish a military presence in Greenland or make sensitive investments there without prior approval.