US President Donald Trump said that Europe had effectively handed Greenland over to the United States, calling it the largest gift in American history. However, this is not about the island coming under US jurisdiction, but about a new agreement that expands American military presence in the Arctic.
On November 3, Politico reported this, citing Trump's telephone interview with Fox News, which took place during a broadcast dedicated to the midterm congressional elections.
“Europe has just given the United States the biggest gift we have ever received. You know what? Greenland. We just got Greenland,” the American president said.
One of the participants in the conversation immediately clarified that Trump meant the military agreement concluded between the US, Denmark, and Greenland.
The document was signed on September 22 in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Signatures were affixed by Donald Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.
The agreement significantly expands US military capabilities on the island, but does not provide for the transfer of Greenland to American sovereignty. The territory retains its autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark.
According to a document published by the White House, the US receives expanded opportunities for deploying military facilities and strengthening the defense of the Arctic region.
Washington will also be able to block the creation of military infrastructure on the island by states outside NATO and certain investments by countries outside the EU and the Alliance.
At the same time, the agreement explicitly recognizes Denmark's territorial integrity and the right of the Greenlandic population to self-determination.
As noted by the research service of the British Parliament, the new treaty supplements the 1951 Defense of Greenland Agreement. It has no fixed expiration date, and changes are possible by mutual consent of the parties.
Trump's interest in Greenland is linked to the island's strategic location and natural resources. Previously, the American president repeatedly stated the need to establish US control over the territory, citing national security.
In early 2026, he even did not rule out the use of military force to achieve this goal. Such statements caused serious disagreements between Washington and European NATO allies.
Denmark and Greenland's authorities have repeatedly stressed that the island is not for sale, and decisions about its future should be made taking into account the will of the local population.
Subsequently, the parties reached a compromise that provides for strengthening the American military presence while maintaining Danish sovereignty.
On November 3, Greenland's parliament approved the new security agreement with the US and Denmark. As Associated Press reported, the document was supported by 16 deputies, none voted against, and seven abstained.
Now the agreement must undergo the necessary parliamentary procedures in Denmark. Only after their completion can the document officially enter into force.
Thus, despite Trump's statement about getting Greenland, legally the island remains part of the Danish realm. The September agreements primarily concern defense, US military presence, and security in the Arctic.
