Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Trump’s Greenland push culminates in disputed security agreement
Greenland is a large Arctic island with about 57,000 people.
It has been governed by Denmark for centuries but has its own local government.
Donald Trump has repeatedly said the United States should control Greenland.
He says this would help protect the United States and stop Russia or China from gaining a nearby foothold.
Denmark and Greenland opposed the idea of a US takeover.
Tensions increased when Trump discussed economic pressure and possible military force.
European countries sent troops to show support for Denmark and Greenland.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland later began talks about American military access and security.
Trump announced an agreement, but Denmark said it would not give up sovereignty over Greenland.
President Donald Trump proposed buying Greenland from Denmark in 2019 and later refused to rule out force.
The United States said greater control would improve military flexibility and prevent Russia or China from gaining influence.
European countries sent troops to Greenland in January 2026 to support Denmark and signal deterrence.
Trump later dropped tariff threats, ruled out force and began talks with Denmark and Greenland.
By September, Trump announced a security agreement that Denmark said would not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty.
- Who
- The United States, President Donald Trump, Denmark and Greenland, with NATO and several European countries involved.
- What
- The parties negotiated an agreement to increase the US military presence and security role in Greenland while restricting adversarial investments and bases.
- When
- The dispute began publicly in 2019 and escalated through January-September 2026, according to the timeline.
- Where
- Greenland, with diplomatic talks also taking place in relation to NATO and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
- Why
- The United States cited military flexibility, situational awareness and concerns about potential Russian or Chinese influence.
United States position
Denmark and Greenland position
Security control
United States position
The United States says a stronger role in Greenland is needed to improve military flexibility, situational awareness and protection against Russian or Chinese influence.
Denmark and Greenland position
Denmark says the agreement will not compromise its sovereignty over Greenland, while Greenlandic leaders have rejected US proposals they did not request.
Ownership and political control
United States position
Trump has argued that Greenland should become part of the United States and has said Washington must act to prevent adversaries from gaining control.
Denmark and Greenland position
Denmark and Greenland have opposed a US takeover; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the 2019 purchase proposal absurd.
Economic and military pressure
United States position
Trump threatened tariffs and previously kept military or economic force on the table, before later ruling out force and pursuing negotiations.
Denmark and Greenland position
European allies warned that the tariff threats could create a dangerous downward spiral, and several sent troops to support Denmark and deter escalation.
- Population
- Greenland has about 57,000 people.
- Initial proposal
- Trump proposed buying Greenland from Denmark in 2019.
- Military framework
- The negotiations built on a 1951 agreement governing US military access.
- European response
- Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands sent troops to Greenland alongside Danish forces in January 2026.
- Negotiation milestone
- Formal diplomatic talks began on January 28.
- NATO role
- NATO launched a mission in February 2026 to strengthen its Arctic presence.
- Announced outcome
- In September, Trump said the US would gain permanent security control and the ability to block sensitive investments by adversaries.