By Haifa Chairunisa
The Trump administration is weighing a plan to offer cash payments to residents of Greenland in an effort to encourage the territory to break away from Denmark and align with the United States.
According to Reuters, U.S. officials have discussed offering between $10,000 and $100,000 per resident. With Greenland’s population estimated at around 57,000, the proposal could cost the U.S. government anywhere from more than $500 million to nearly $6 billion.
While the idea of providing lump-sum payments has circulated previously, Reuters said discussions have intensified in recent days, with officials considering larger amounts.
The White House on Thursday directed Fox News Digital to earlier remarks by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who said acquiring Greenland would strengthen U.S. national security. Leavitt noted that President Donald Trump has long argued the move would help counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, adding that his administration is examining what a potential purchase might involve.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that he plans to meet with Denmark’s foreign minister next week to discuss Greenland.
Trump has repeatedly maintained that the U.S. should acquire Greenland, citing its strategic location and mineral resources, which he argues are crucial to advancing American military capabilities. He has also claimed Denmark lacks the capacity to adequately defend the island.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described Greenland as strategically vital, saying Russian and Chinese vessels operate in the surrounding waters.
Greenlandic and Danish authorities have firmly rejected the proposal. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory is not for sale and criticized what he described as mounting pressure from Washington. In a social media post, Nielsen dismissed any notion of annexation and reaffirmed Greenland’s status as part of Denmark.
European leaders have also voiced concern, warning that such proposals could strain trust between NATO allies. Under the alliance’s mutual defense commitments, Denmark and the United States are obligated to support one another in the event of an attack, making the idea of a territorial transfer particularly sensitive.
On Tuesday, Nielsen reiterated that Greenland’s status is protected by international law and called on the United States to pursue dialogue through established diplomatic channels.
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