Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Trump’s NATO Threat Contrasts With Expanded Greenland Military Pact
President Trump has criticized NATO and said he might take the United States out of the alliance.
NATO is a group in which countries agree to help defend one another.
Later, the United States signed an agreement with Denmark and Greenland to increase American military activity in Greenland.
The agreement allows the United States to use two additional defence areas and expand its existing base at Pituffik.
Greenland would still belong to Denmark and would keep its right to decide its future.
Denmark and Greenland said the agreement supports NATO’s role in the Arctic.
If the United States later removed troops, other NATO countries might have to replace some of the lost capabilities.
US law and NATO rules set formal requirements for an American withdrawal.
Trump has called NATO a “paper tiger” and considered withdrawing the United States.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement on September 22, 2026.
The pact allows two additional US defence areas and expanded activity at Pituffik Space Base.
The agreement preserves Danish sovereignty and Greenland’s right to self-determination while linking its defence to NATO.
A US NATO withdrawal or troop reduction could create capability gaps in Arctic and North Atlantic security.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Denmark, Greenland and the United States.
- What
- The United States signed a security agreement expanding its military access and presence in Greenland while Trump’s administration continues to question the US commitment to NATO.
- When
- The agreement was signed on September 22, 2026; Trump discussed possible NATO withdrawal on April 1, 2026.
- Where
- The agreement was signed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and concerns Greenland, including Narsarsuaq, Mestersvig and Pituffik Space Base.
- Why
- The stated purpose is to strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic security, while the United States seeks greater access for defence, surveillance, missile warning and space-related activities.
Supporters of the Greenland Pact and NATO
Critics of Continued NATO Commitments
NATO’s Arctic role
Supporters of the Greenland Pact and NATO
Denmark and Greenland say the agreement strengthens Arctic and North Atlantic security and keeps NATO strong in the region.
Critics of Continued NATO Commitments
Trump has described NATO as a “paper tiger” and criticized European allies for not supporting US efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US military presence
Supporters of the Greenland Pact and NATO
Supporters say expanded US access in Greenland improves surveillance, missile warning, space-related activity and North Atlantic defence.
Critics of Continued NATO Commitments
A future US troop reduction could leave a capability gap that Denmark and other NATO countries would need to address.
Authority to leave NATO
Supporters of the Greenland Pact and NATO
US law requires congressional involvement before the president can withdraw the United States from NATO.
Critics of Continued NATO Commitments
Trump has said he does not need Congress to make that decision, creating a conflict with the statutory restrictions described in the report.
- Agreement date
- September 22, 2026
- Signatories
- The United States, Denmark and Greenland
- Additional defence areas
- Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig
- Existing US facility
- Pituffik Space Base
- Current US presence
- Approximately 200 personnel at Pituffik, according to the Associated Press
- Agreement duration
- The pact has no end date and can be amended only by mutual consent
- NATO withdrawal rule
- Article 13 allows withdrawal one year after formal notice
- US legal restriction
- US law requires either two-thirds Senate approval or an Act of Congress for withdrawal from NATO