By — James Brooks, Associated Press James Brooks, Associated Press By — Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press By — Kostya Manenkov, Associated Press Kostya Manenkov, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/greenland-approves-trilateral-deal-with-denmark-and-u-s-following-pressure-from-trump Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Greenland approves trilateral deal with Denmark and U.S. following pressure from Trump World Nov 3, 2026 7:21 PM EST ILULISSAT, Greenland (AP) — Greenlandic lawmakers on Tuesday voted to approve an agreement between the Arctic island, Denmark and the United States to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic after months of pressure by U.S. President Donald Trump seeking to control the semiautonomous territory of a NATO ally. The trilateral deal paves the way for more U.S. bases in Greenland and eases tensions over Trump's repeated calls for the vast island to become part of the United States. The agreement's goal is to bolster the U.S. military presence on Greenland but keep the self-governing island under Danish control. It would still apply if Greenland eventually chooses independence. WATCH: What's in…
Greenland approves trilateral deal with Denmark and U.S. following pressure from Trump
In short
Lawmakers endorsed the trilateral security arrangement through a 16-0 vote with seven abstentions following sustained pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. First signed on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, the pact formally requires Danish lawmakers to debate and finalize parliamentary processes before it officially takes effect. To support the local economy, the framework mandates that American authorities prioritize Greenlandic sources for base-related service and construction contracts. While American officials celebrated the strategic outcome, residents remain divided over potential sovereignty compromises and the true extent of community benefits.
Key points
- The pact maintains Greenland's place under Danish control regardless of whether the islan…: The pact maintains Greenland's place under Danish control regardless of whether the island ultimately decides to pursue independence.
- Full enactment of the trilateral agreement depends on the completion of upcoming parliame…: Full enactment of the trilateral agreement depends on the completion of upcoming parliamentary debates in Denmark later this month.
- Provisions within the treaty require Washington to award base-related contracts to Greenl…: Provisions within the treaty require Washington to award base-related contracts to Greenlandic sources to the maximum extent possible.