As President Donald Trump announces a “framework for a future deal” with NATO amid his push for U.S. control of Greenland, Congressman Bill Keating says Trump signed his legislation into law last month that increases U.S. presence in the Arctic, including in Greenland.

Keating, who sits on the House Armed Services Committee, posted to X Tuesday night about his legislation, the Arctic Watchers Act  (H.R. 2000), which he says places additional foreign services officers in the European and North American Arctic, including in Greenland, to “monitor political, economic, security, and other developments in the region.”

The legislation was rolled into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed by President Trump on Dec. 18.

“This program builds upon already existing China and Russia Watcher programs with a strong focus on countering their influence in the Arctic,” Keating told the Herald, going on to criticize Trump’s ambitions for Greenland.

“This legislation does not endorse President Trump’s attempts to annex Greenland,” he added. “Enhancing our national security does not require tariffing our allies or conquering the sovereign territory of a NATO ally. It is about expanding America’s ability to work with our allies, to take advantage of shared opportunities and counter threats. The United States has long been a friend and ally of Greenland, Denmark, and other Arctic nations. The intent of this legislation is to expand that cooperation and strengthen those friendships to our mutual benefit.”

While attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, Trump made the announcement of a possible deal for Greenland in a post to Truth Social, adding that he will be scrapping planned tariffs on European nations that are U.S. allies.

“Based upon a very productive meeting that I have had with the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region. This solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations,” Trump said. “Based upon this understanding, I will not be imposing the Tariffs that were scheduled to go into effect on February 1st.”

The announcement came after Trump said during a speech at the forum earlier in the day that he wants to “get Greenland, including right, title and ownership,” but said he would not use force to do so.

According to the Associated Press, a Danish government official told the news agency that Copenhagen was ready to discuss U.S. security concerns in the Arctic following Trump’s speech, but underscored the government’s position that “red lines”— namely Denmark’s sovereignty — must be respected.

“Greenland is strategically important for the United States and NATO because the shortest route between Russia and the United States is through the Arctic,” Keating said. “With melting sea ice and the opening of shipping routes in the Arctic, significant amounts of commerce will travel through that region. Importantly, a 1951 treaty allows the United States unfettered military access to Greenland  to bolster its security. We have been operating under that treaty without issue for over 70 years.”

The congressman says he expects the Arctic Watchers to be positioned in the region sometime this year, adding that there’s a possibility Trump didn’t even know the Arctic Watchers Act was part of the NDAA, saying “given the length and breadth of the bill, I would not be shocked to learn that President Trump did not know this specific provision was included in the bill when he signed it into law.”

It’s unclear how Keating’s legislation would be impacted by any potential deal for Greenland made by Trump and NATO, but he says the president’s ultimate goal is to expand America’s borders.

“This is a president who evoked McKinley and the notion of ‘manifest destiny’ during his inaugural remarks. He wants to see American borders expand on the map, frequently referring to Canada as the 51st state,” Keating said. “His revival of the Monroe Doctrine seeks to turn the western hemisphere into an American sphere of influence. It is no surprise with this worldview, he has now set his sights on Greenland. Given the erratic actions of this administration, I think everything is currently on the table for President Trump.”

The developments in Davos come as European members of NATO remain steadfast in keeping Greenland under Denmark’s control.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.