Greenland’s government and residents have expressed relief over a new military pact with the United States and Denmark, saying it could ease anxiety caused by President Donald Trump’s earlier threats to seize the Arctic island. The agreement permits the United States to expand its military presence while stopping short of Trump’s previous demand that Greenland be annexed, Defense News reported.
The pact would allow the reopening of Cold War-era American bases at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. Renewed US activity could bring additional spending and employment to the settlements. The agreement also states that military activity must respect Greenlandic society and traditional ways of life. Some Greenlanders worry that expanded military activity, including increased aircraft and vessel movement, could disrupt hunting and fishing grounds that communities rely on for a living.
Naaja Nathanielsen, a Greenlandic member of Denmark’s parliament, described the agreement as a sensible outcome and said she was “incredibly relieved.” She also warned that recent tensions had increased skepticism toward Washington. A significant American military presence once existed on the island, she said, but work was needed to reassure the local population.
The response in Greenland included signs of support. Parliament speaker Kim Kielsen urged households to raise the Greenlandic flag on Wednesday, while activist and influencer Orla Joelsen encouraged people in Nuuk to gather at the airport to welcome Greenland’s prime minister and foreign minister after they returned from New York, where the deal was reached.
The pact also drew opposition from some residents. Pitanguaq Mikissen, a 69-year-old retired ship assistant, said reopening former US bases could provide greater security for Greenland’s population of about 57,000. Other residents objected to the prospect of further military activity, particularly after Denmark had already expanded its own presence.
Jensia Dam-Davidsen, a 40-year-old voice and choir teacher, said Trump had created fear and worry and called the deal wrong, especially in light of Denmark’s increased military footprint. Denmark has deployed additional troops, increased Arctic defense spending and hosted allies during military exercises since Trump’s threats intensified in January.
Malene Vahl Rasmussen, mayor of the southern Kujalleq municipality, where the United States is seeking to reopen Narsarsuaq, said military expansion must respect the Greenlandic way of life. She said signing the agreement would not by itself restore trust in the partnership.
The pact would expand the current US presence. American forces built bases in Greenland during World War II and operated 17 military installations with more than 10,000 personnel during the Cold War. Today, Pituffik Space Base is the only remaining US facility on the island, with about 150 American military personnel.
The agreement comes as Greenland weighs the prospect of renewed US activity alongside continuing distrust among some residents. It allows Washington to reopen two former bases and increase its presence, while requiring that military activity respect Greenlandic society and traditional ways of life.