In a surprising development, U.S. officials are reportedly exploring the possibility of offering substantial financial incentives to residents of Greenland, with the aim of persuading them to secede from Denmark and potentially align themselves with the United States. According to four sources familiar with the discussions, U.S. officials, including aides from the White House, have floated figures ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person. However, the specifics regarding the total amount and the logistics of these payments remain unclear.
The idea of providing direct payments to the residents of Greenland, which is an overseas territory of Denmark, raises eyebrows as it appears to be a strategic move to acquire the island’s population of approximately 57,000 people. This approach comes despite firm statements from both Copenhagen and Nuuk asserting that Greenland is not for sale. The White House is reportedly considering various strategies to facilitate the acquisition of Greenland, including potential military involvement. However, this strategy risks being perceived as overly transactional, potentially undermining the sentiments of a population that has long wrestled with its independence and economic reliance on Denmark.
Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has publicly rejected any notions of U.S. annexation, emphasizing, “Enough is enough ... No more fantasies about annexation.” This statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump made remarks reiterating the necessity for the U.S. to acquire the island, further igniting tensions between the U.S. and Danish officials.
European leaders have expressed strong disapproval of the U.S. claims over Greenland. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, leadership from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain, and Denmark made it clear that only Greenland and Denmark have the authority to determine the future of their relationship. This collective stance underlines the diplomatic complexities surrounding the U.S. interest in Greenland.
When asked about the potential for purchasing Greenland and the proposed direct payments to its residents, the White House directed inquiries to remarks made by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During a press briefing, Leavitt confirmed that discussions were ongoing about what a potential acquisition could entail. Rubio also mentioned his upcoming meeting with his Danish counterpart in Washington to further discuss the situation regarding Greenland.
President Trump has long advocated for the acquisition of Greenland, citing its abundant natural resources, including minerals essential for advanced military applications. He has argued that it is crucial for the Western Hemisphere to remain under U.S. influence. Recently, following a successful operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, the urgency surrounding discussions of Greenland has intensified among Trump’s aides.
Sources indicate that deliberations regarding lump sum payments to Greenlanders are increasingly serious, with discussions about payments potentially reaching as high as $100,000 per individual. This would amount to nearly $6 billion in total payments. However, many details regarding these payments—such as their timing and conditions—remain ambiguous. The White House has stated that while military intervention is a possibility, their preference is to acquire Greenland through diplomatic channels.
One option being considered by Trump’s aides is a Compact of Free Association (COFA), which has typically been established with small island nations like Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. Under such agreements, the U.S. provides essential services, including mail delivery and military protection, while the military operates freely in COFA countries. For this plan to proceed, Greenland would likely need to gain independence from Denmark. Payments could potentially incentivize Greenlanders to vote for independence or to enter into a COFA agreement post-independence.
Surveys indicate a significant desire among Greenlanders for independence from Denmark. However, concerns about the economic implications of such a move have led many legislators to hesitate in calling for an independence referendum. Additionally, while many Greenlanders are open to the idea of independence, there is considerable reluctance regarding the prospect of aligning with the United States.
As discussions continue, the future of Greenland remains uncertain, with both local and international stakeholders closely monitoring developments.