Georgia (United States): US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has secured control of both Greenland and Venezuela, describing the purported acquisitions as the “greatest real estate deal in history” during a rally for Republican candidates in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday (local time).

Trump told supporters that Denmark had handed Greenland over to Washington and suggested that the United States had also gained control of Venezuela and its vast oil reserves. However, neither territory has been transferred to US sovereignty.

“Denmark was so great, they gave us Greenland. You do know that, right? We already have that,” Trump said, claiming that the development had received little media coverage.

He added: “What do you take: Venezuela or Greenland? Both? We got them both!”

US-Denmark agreement does not cover Greenland

Trump’s remarks came three days after the United States and Denmark signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 22 to strengthen maritime industrial cooperation and expand US shipbuilding capabilities.

The agreement, however, does not provide for any transfer of Greenland. Its legal provisions explicitly state: “This MoU does not apply to Greenland or the Faroe Islands.”

The document outlines political intentions for cooperation rather than a binding international treaty. It creates no legal rights or obligations and does not authorise procurement, contract awards or the transfer of funds between the two countries. Each side is expected to bear its own costs.

Denmark has not transferred sovereignty over Greenland. Existing defence arrangements have expanded US military access in the region while continuing to recognise Danish sovereignty and Greenlandic self-determination.

Denmark highlights commercial cooperation

Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the new agreement as a framework for commercial and industrial collaboration in the maritime sector.

In a statement posted on X, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the agreement would create opportunities for Danish businesses and support job creation on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Today, Denmark signs an agreement with the US, which paves the way for Danish expertise and solutions in US maritime efforts,” Rasmussen said.

The framework covers three main areas: education and training for the US maritime workforce; equipment, technology and services to modernise shipbuilding and repair; and cooperation in defence-related and dual-use maritime industries.

Commercial contracts, however, would need to be finalised separately.
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Trump’s earlier claims about Greenland’s resources

Trump’s latest remarks follow a series of statements about Greenland’s strategic and economic importance.

On October 13, he said large-scale oil, gas and mineral exploration was preparing to begin on the island, referring to an earlier agreement on Arctic security and defence cooperation involving Washington, Denmark and Greenland.

Trump described Greenland as vital to US security because of its geographical position and potential energy resources.

“Massive Oil, Gas, and Mineral Exploration is getting ready to begin in our new and beautiful Greenland!” he wrote on Truth Social.

He also argued that Greenland’s location would be crucial in defending the United States and Europe against future threats involving missiles, drones and other weapons.

However, his statements about the island being under US control are not supported by the October 22 maritime cooperation agreement.

Trump’s claim about Venezuela follows US military operation

Trump also described Venezuela as an American acquisition, referring to the country’s political upheaval and its oil resources.

In January, US forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a military operation. They were taken to the United States to face criminal indictments.

The operation drew scrutiny from international legal scholars over questions of sovereignty and international law. Trump defended the action, saying the United States had liberated Venezuela from what he called a “very powerful, very nasty dictatorship.”

Despite the operation, Venezuela remains an internationally recognised independent country.

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Venezuela signals willingness to rebuild ties with Washington

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez signalled a diplomatic reset during her address to the United Nations General Assembly in September.

Rodríguez said Venezuela would take “historic responsibility” for guiding the country towards democratic elections and full democracy on its own timeline.

She also expressed a willingness to restore relations with Washington, emphasising cooperation and respect between the two countries.

“Venezuela aspires- with the United States, with its neighbours, and with all the countries of our continent and the international community- to rebuild and sustain relations based on cooperation, respect, and equality,” Rodríguez said.

She described the country as seeking a national “rebirth” after a period marked by internal political pressure and heightened military tensions with Washington.

Trump’s comments at the Georgia rally framed developments in Greenland and Venezuela as strategic acquisitions. However, the available agreements and statements do not establish that the United States has acquired sovereignty over either territory.

(With ANI inputs)