Story perspectives

U.S., Denmark discuss Greenland bases to counter Russia, China

5/13/2026

Summary

US Negotiates Bases

The United States is holding secret talks with Denmark to open three bases in southern Greenland to monitor Russian and Chinese naval activity in the North Atlantic.
A White House official said the administration is optimistic and that negotiations are progressing.
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the talks but gave no details, while President Donald Trump said in January the United States should “own” Greenland to block Russian or Chinese influence.

Summary

Needham Leads Greenland

Michael Needham, senior State Department official, is leading U.S. talks on Greenland base expansions, with a team meeting at least five times since mid-January.
Denmark’s U.S. ambassador Jesper Møller Sørensen and Greenland diplomat Jacob Isbosethsen attended, while Governor Jeff Landry has not taken part.
General Gregory Guillot briefed Congress in March, noting the plans fall under the 1951 U.S.–Denmark defense treaty, which Denmark has never refused to honor.

Summary

Vance Visits Greenland

A proposal would make three new bases U.S. sovereign territory, though the status is not finalized.
Vice President JD Vance visited the U.S. base in Greenland earlier this year, showing interest.
Officials say negotiations stay calm despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier aggressive rhetoric.
Denmark will expand U.S. access but not transfer Greenland ownership, prompting critics and a former defense official to warn the issue could have been settled quietly.

History

Historical Context

During World II the United States opened a weather outpost at Thule (1943); after Denmark joined NATO in 1949 the 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement authorized an air base, built by a 120-ship convoy that delivered 12,000 men and 300,000 tons of material. The base became a key NATO missile-warning site and hosts about 150 U.S. personnel, prompting Washington’s talks with Denmark on three sovereign Arctic bases.

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US Negotiates Bases

The United States is holding secret talks with Denmark to open three bases in southern Greenland to monitor Russian and Chinese naval activity in the North Atlantic.
A White House official said the administration is optimistic and that negotiations are progressing.
Denmark’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the talks but gave no details, while President Donald Trump said in January the United States should “own” Greenland to block Russian or Chinese influence.

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