Donald Trump discusses Greenland security agreement with Denmark

During a rally in Perry, Georgia, U.S. President Donald Trump characterized a recent agreement with Denmark regarding Greenland as the “largest international real estate operation of all time.”

While Trump suggested Denmark “gave” Greenland to the U.S., the September agreement does not transfer sovereignty. Instead, the deal expands U.S. defense and security rights on the island while explicitly recognizing the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right to self-determination for Greenlanders.

The agreement complements a defense pact in place since 1951 and provides for the creation of new military installations in Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. Greenland is considered strategically significant due to its mineral resources; the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland has identified 24 of the 34 raw materials considered critical by the European Union on the island.