US expands military presence in Greenland under new agreement with Denmark

President Trump announced a sweeping new security agreement on September 18 that dramatically expands the US military footprint in Greenland while locking non-NATO adversaries out of the strategically vital Arctic territory. The trilateral deal between the United States, Denmark, and Greenland prohibits countries like Russia and China from constructing military bases, stationing forces, or making sensitive investments on the island without explicit US approval. Trump described the arrangement as an “Infinite Life Agreement,” claiming it grants the US “permanent control over security and all other needs” in Greenland. Perhaps most notably for a president who loves to talk about deals: the agreement reportedly costs Washington nothing. What the agreement actually does The pact gives the US permanent access, basing, and overflight rights across Greenland. Those rights would persist even if Greenland, currently an autonomous territory of Denmark, eventually achieves full independence. The formal signing is expected during the UN General Assembly in New York the week of September 22. The US already operates Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland, a Cold War-era installation that has ...