The $6 Billion Question: Trump Administration Weighs Direct Payments to Greenlanders in Pursuit of Arctic Takeover

In a bold and unprecedented strategy to secure Arctic dominance, the Trump administration is reportedly considering a direct financial incentive to the residents of Greenland as part of its push for the territory to secede from Denmark and join the United States. According to a Reuters report, U.S. officials have discussed paying each of Greenland’s roughly 57,000 residents a lump sum ranging from $10,000 to an eye-popping $100,000 per person—a proposal that could cost American taxpayers anywhere from over half a billion to nearly $6 billion. While the idea of purchasing Greenland is not new, sources indicate these discussions have recently intensified, reflecting a more serious and concrete attempt to sway local opinion. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the initiative, stating the acquisition is vital to “deter Russian and Chinese aggression” in the strategically crucial region.

The proposal, however, faces fierce diplomatic and local resistance. Authorities in both Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly and unequivocally stated that the world’s largest island is not for sale. Greenland’s Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, responded forcefully to President Trump’s latest comments, posting on Facebook, “This is enough… No more fantasies about annexation.” He emphasized that Greenland’s status is protected by international law and territorial integrity, urging the U.S. to engage through respectful diplomatic channels. Despite this, the Trump administration appears undeterred, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to meet his Danish counterpart next week. The plan underscores a stark divide: Washington views Greenland as a critical geopolitical asset for national security and resource access, while Nuuk and Copenhagen see the overture as a profound affront to their sovereignty and alliance within NATO.