Trump says Europe gave Greenland to US as ‘greatest gift’ ever
Earlier this year, the U.S. president refused to rule out using military force to gain control of the mineral-rich island.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared Greenland as the "greatest gift" the United States had ever received during a call to Fox News on Tuesday. He further boasted that Europe had "just given the United States the greatest gift we were ever given," specifically mentioning Greenland. The statement was shared on X by the U.S. State Department during a discussion about the upcoming midterm elections.
However, it was clarified that Trump was referring to a military deal, not the island itself. Prior to September, Trump had consistently advocated for the U.S. to assume control over Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, citing security concerns. His insistence on the matter, along with his threats of military intervention and tariffs on allied nations, pushed NATO to the brink of disintegration.
At NATO's summit in July, Trump had openly stated that Greenland "should be controlled by the United States, not by Denmark," eliciting warnings from European leaders who emphasized that the territory is not for sale and that its future should be decided by its people. In September, Trump signed a defense agreement with the prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark, putting an end to the standoff.
The agreement enhanced U.S. military access and presence on the island, effectively granting NATO countries exclusive rights to mining operations, while acknowledging Denmark's sovereignty and Greenlanders' right to self-determination. As American voters prepare to cast their ballots in the midterm elections on Tuesday, Trump expressed optimism about the outcome, stating he believes the results will be "better than you think."
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