Trump falsely claims US has ‘got’ Greenland, Venezuela

The US President Donald Trump made the sensational claim that the United States has secured control over both Greenland and Venezuela, touting the purported acquisition as the "greatest real estate deal in history," at a campaign rally for Republican candidates in Perry, Georgia.

Addressing a cheering crowd, Trump falsely asserted that Denmark had transferred sovereignty over Greenland to Washington, while simultaneously boasting of US dominance over Venezuela and its vast oil reserves.
"Denmark was so great, they gave us Greenland. You do know that, right? We already have that. We're doing good with that, aren't we?" Trump told supporters.

"All of them said, 'Donald Trump, Donald Trump, he's going to attack! He's going to attack Greenland!' But Denmark gave us—we signed an agreement. You know what? The press hardly covered it. It's going to go down as the greatest real estate deal in history, probably after Venezuela. I think Venezuela. What do you take: Venezuela or Greenland? Both? We got them both!"

Despite Trump's claims, neither territory has been transferred to US sovereignty. Trump's remarks come on the heels of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on October 22 between the United States and Denmark to strengthen maritime industrial cooperation and US shipbuilding capacities.

However, the legal framework of the agreement explicitly contradicts the President's claims. Under the section detailing legal status and scope, the MoU explicitly states: "This MoU does not apply to Greenland or the Faroe Islands."

Denmark has not transferred sovereignty over Greenland. While a defence agreement expanded US military rights in the region, it continues to strictly recognise Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination.

The text clarifies that the document represents political intentions, is not an international treaty, creates no legal rights or obligations, and "does not authorise any procurement, award of contracts or transfer of funds between the Participants." Each country is expected to bear its own costs.

In an official statement on X, Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, emphasising the commercial focus of the agreement:

"Today, Denmark signs an agreement with the US, which paves the way for Danish expertise and solutions in US maritime efforts. The agreement opens significant opportunities for Danish companies and can create new jobs on both sides of the Atlantic." - ANI