The United States and Denmark are nearing an agreement that would expand the US military presence in Greenland without affecting the territory's sovereignty.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters the deal is highly possible in the coming days or weeks. The accord would stop short of President Donald Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland outright.

Strategic Implications

The parties have discussed using Greenlandic territory for the Golden Dome, a massive missile defense shield the Trump administration is attempting to build to protect US territory.

Discussions also include arrangements to limit Chinese presence and influence on the island. It remains unclear whether, or how strongly, Trump backs the emerging agreement.

• Expanded US military footprint in Greenland
• Support for Golden Dome missile defense system
• Measures to limit Chinese influence
• Sovereignty of Greenland remains unchanged

The National Seniors Policy Center (NSPC) warned that rising federal interest costs are creating risks to US Treasury market stability and Social Security benefit payments.

President Daniel Perrin released a report titled The National Seniors Policy Center is Not Crying Wolf – Default Explained, Step-by-Step — and The Day After on Sept. 18, 2026. The analysis highlights that roughly 67 cents of every new dollar the federal government borrows now goes toward paying interest on existing debt. This figure rose from approximately 40 cents in 2023.

Fiscal Pressure Metrics

Gross federal interest expense is on track to reach approximately $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2026. The report notes that the Debt Default Clock remains at two minutes to midnight, its closest position in history.

Impact on Beneficiaries

Federal law requires Social Security trust fund surpluses to be invested in special-issue US Treasury securities. NSPC warns that a Treasury unable to meet obligations could threaten the redemption of those securities and disrupt benefit payments.

The report explains how a default could develop through rising yields and weakening demand for Treasury securities, rather than a visibly failed auction. It examines Treasury auctions, primary dealers, and rising refinancing costs.

What the Numbers Show

The shift from 40 cents to 67 cents of every new dollar borrowed going toward interest indicates a significant increase in the cost of servicing existing debt relative to new borrowing capacity. This divergence suggests that a growing majority of new fiscal inflows are consumed by past obligations rather than funding new government activities.

Perrin stated, "We are increasingly borrowing new money simply to pay the cost of money we have already borrowed. That cycle compounds on itself, and the longer Congress waits to address it, the more difficult and costly it becomes to change course."

NSPC argues that Congress holds the authority needed to address the underlying borrowing problem. The report aims to show the mechanics of a potential debt crisis and identify affected parties.