A newly reported Trump–Greenland deal could reshape Arctic geopolitics, with the United States potentially gaining sovereignty over small pockets of land in Greenland, according to reporting from The New York Times. The development follows President Donald Trump’s announcement that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have formed a “framework” agreement centered on Arctic security.
Shortly after Trump’s remarks, NATO released an official statement confirming discussions focused on strengthening collective defense in the Arctic region. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart emphasized the importance of cooperation among the seven Arctic allies, including the United States, to prevent Russia and China from establishing economic or military footholds in Greenland.
While Trump declined to provide detailed terms of the agreement in a CNBC interview, he described the deal as “forever” and confirmed he would drop threats of additional tariffs on Europe, signaling a broader diplomatic reset with NATO allies.
According to The New York Times, the proposed compromise would allow Denmark to retain overall sovereignty while granting the U.S. control over specific Greenlandic territories for military bases. The concept reportedly originated with Mark Rutte and has been compared by senior officials to British sovereign base areas in Cyprus, which are legally British territory despite being located abroad.
The proposal comes amid heightened concerns about Arctic militarization, climate-driven shipping routes, and access to rare earth minerals. Greenland’s strategic location makes it a critical asset for missile defense, surveillance, and power projection in the far north.
If finalized, the deal would mark a significant shift in NATO strategy and U.S. foreign policy, balancing Denmark’s sovereignty with Washington’s security interests. However, negotiations between Denmark, Greenland, and the United States are still ongoing, and political resistance—particularly within Greenland—could complicate implementation.
As global competition intensifies in the Arctic, this agreement may become a defining moment in 21st-century geopolitics.