US Considers Direct Free Association Deal With Greenland, Bypassing Denmark

The United States is exploring a direct political agreement with Greenland that would bypass Denmark and significantly alter the island’s geopolitical status. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Washington is drafting a Free Association Agreement that would establish a direct relationship with Nuuk while removing Copenhagen from negotiations.

The proposal would see the US provide financial support to Greenland in exchange for taking over full responsibility for its defense.

What the Proposed Agreement Includes

Governance and Autonomy

Under the draft framework, Greenland would retain control over its internal affairs and continue operating under its current self-governing model. The agreement would stop short of full independence but would substantially reduce Denmark’s role, creating a looser political arrangement similar to US free association agreements with other territories.

Defense Responsibilities

A central element of the proposal is the transfer of all defense responsibilities to the United States. Washington would become solely responsible for Greenland’s military protection, marking a decisive shift away from Denmark’s long-standing security role.

Economic Support

In return, the United States would provide funding intended to improve living standards and support Greenland’s economy. Financial incentives appear designed to make the proposal politically viable for Greenland’s leadership and population.

Strategic Rationale Behind the US Move

The initiative reflects a broader shift in US strategy toward direct engagement with strategically important territories. Two objectives appear to be driving the proposal:

• Reducing Denmark’s influence over Greenland
• Establishing a direct diplomatic channel between Washington and Nuuk

Former President Donald Trump’s earlier interest in Greenland is widely seen as laying the groundwork for the current approach, signaling long-term US ambitions in the Arctic.

Why Greenland Is Strategically Important

Greenland’s geographic position makes it a critical asset in Arctic geopolitics. The island:

• Sits along emerging Arctic shipping routes
• Provides strategic military positioning between North America and Europe
• Plays a growing role in Arctic security as global competition intensifies

Direct US involvement would strengthen Washington’s presence in a region increasingly contested by major powers.

Impact on Denmark and Greenland

The proposal puts Denmark in an increasingly awkward position. Copenhagen has maintained formal sovereignty over Greenland while gradually expanding its autonomy. A direct US–Greenland agreement would effectively bypass this arrangement and weaken Denmark’s diplomatic role.

For Greenland’s population of around 56,000 people, the decision carries long-term consequences. Greater economic support and US security guarantees may be attractive, but the shift would also redefine Greenland’s political identity and international relationships.

Outlook

If negotiations move forward, the agreement could set a precedent for how major powers engage with autonomous regions. A successful deal would suggest that strategic importance can outweigh traditional diplomatic frameworks—particularly in the Arctic, where geopolitical competition continues to accelerate.

Editorial Context

The US is no longer masking its strategic interest in Greenland. By pursuing a direct agreement, Washington is signaling a willingness to reshape existing political arrangements to secure long-term influence in the Arctic. Whether Greenland embraces this opportunity—or resists it—could redefine power dynamics in the region for decades.

Source: Megatron