Trump claims US will not foot bill for new Greenland military bases amid expert skepticism
Donald Trump announced a defense pact that would see the United States build two new bases in Greenland, saying the cost will not be borne by American taxpayers, a claim experts say is unrealistic.
In a ceremony at the United Nations building in New York, Donald Trump, Greenland’s government head Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark’s leader Mette Frederiksen formalised a defense agreement that authorises the United States to construct two large military bases on Greenland—one near Narsarsuaq and another at Mestersvig—and to expand the existing Pituffik Space Base. Trump proclaimed on his social platform that the United States will incur no financial burden, a sentiment echoed by Senator Marco Rubio.
Experts such as senior researcher Svein Vigeland Rottem of Fridtjof Nansens Institutt and Marianne Riddervold of Norsk utenrikspolitisk institutt argue that the claim contradicts typical cost-sharing practices, citing GAO data on US bases in Japan and South Korea. They explain that host countries usually contribute to infrastructure, utilities and tax exemptions, making a completely free US presence unlikely. The article also references Trump’s past assertions that other nations would pay for US initiatives, highlighting a pattern of similar statements.
Why it matters
The pact could reshape Arctic security and involve significant financial commitments, yet the promised cost-free arrangement is contested by experts.
How this story developed
- Sep 17 Trump Announces Progress Toward U.S. Army Base in Poland
- Sep 18 Kaczyński publicly blamed the Tusk government for delaying the U.S. base.
- Sep 18 President Donald Trump said the United States has reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland that grants permanent U.S. control over the island’s security.
- Sep 19 Denmark said it has not verified the existence of the alleged agreement.
- Sep 19 Trump announced a deal giving the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security, but analysts say it largely repeats the existing 1951 U.S.-Denmark agreement.
- Sep 20 The trilateral security accord is set to be signed next week.
- Sep 21 UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the agreement and said he will convey congratulations to President Trump and Prime Minister Frederiksen ahead of the UN signing.
- Sep 21 A signing ceremony is set for Tuesday during the UN General Assembly high‑level week.
- Sep 22 U.S. announced intent to establish two additional military sites in southern and eastern Greenland.
- Sep 22 The defence pact was signed at the United Nations General Assembly.
- Sep 24 Signing of the trilateral security agreement is scheduled for the UN General Assembly week.
- Sep 26 President Nawrocki announced that the permanent U.S. base project is now confirmed.
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