Greenland Arctic security deal: ‘Huge piece on the geopolitical chessboard’

Special to WorldTribune.com By John J.

Metzler, October 12, 2026 The UN General Assembly offered the surprise setting for a wide-ranging but long elusive security deal for the United States and Denmark.

Following over a year of tension, political rancor, and uncertainty, the United States, Denmark and Greenland agreed on a wide-ranging security deal through which the massive Arctic island would form an enhanced part of North America’s defensive shield.

At times the traditionally close Danish/American relationship turned tempestuous as the Trump Administration pressed for unprecedented levels of control over Greenland, a vast territory between North America and Europe in the North Atlantic which remains an autonomous region of The Kingdom of Denmark.

The landmark U.S./Danish/Greenland Treaty was formally signed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Set to the old Frank Sinatra Song, “My Way” President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US/UN Ambassador Mike Waltz joined the Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielson, to sign the three-way defense deal.

Trump said the deal allows the United States to maintain a permanent security presence in Greenland.

He stated on Truth Social “we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America.” Denmark’s Prime Minister Frederiksen added, “I am pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States, an agreement which strengthens our common security in the Arctic and North Atlantic area and therefore is great for Europe and NATO as well.” Significantly she stressed that the accord recognized “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom” as well as “the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.” Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also welcomed the breakthrough; “It is joyous that we are about to make an agreement that will ensure and strengthen the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States, and the Western alliance.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio applauded the “historic deal” for....