09.01.2026 14:40
It has been claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump considered paying the people of Greenland up to $100,000 per person to annex the strategically important Greenland to the United States. If this plan were to be implemented, approximately $5.7 billion would need to be spent from the U.S. treasury. However, the governments of Denmark and Greenland state that the island is not for sale and that such an initiative could have serious consequences for NATO.
It has been claimed that U.S. President Donald Trump considered paying up to $100,000 per person to persuade the people of Greenland. The goal is quite clear: to annex strategically important Greenland to the United States.
According to sources speaking to Reuters, there is serious discussion in Washington about making lump-sum payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 to approximately 57,000 people living in Greenland. If this plan is implemented, about $5.7 billion will need to be drawn from the U.S. treasury.
Trump's move is seen as part of plans to purchase or take control of Greenland. The U.S. President had previously stated that he could even use military force if necessary.
Denmark and Greenland reacted strongly
The governments of Greenland and Denmark have clearly opposed these claims. Both sides emphasized that the island is not for sale and warned that such an initiative could have serious consequences for NATO.
However, Trump did not back down. In an interview with the New York Times, he argued that the "ownership" of Greenland is vital and psychologically necessary for the U.S. Trump also explicitly stated that a choice could be made between territorial acquisition and alliances in Europe.
U.S.: "Greenland is critical for global security"
U.S. Vice President JD Vance also supported Trump. Vance stated that Europe and Denmark have failed to ensure the security of Greenland. Speaking to Fox News, Vance noted that the region is crucial against potential missile attacks from China and Russia.
"If there is a nuclear attack, Greenland is at the center of missile defense," Vance said, arguing that European countries do not take this responsibility seriously enough. He expressed that the U.S. would intervene if necessary.
The people of Greenland are anxious, but some see opportunities
While Trump's harsh statements have caused concern among the people of Greenland, the main opposition party in the country, Naleraq, views the situation differently. Party officials believe that U.S. interest could provide economic and social gains.
Naleraq's foreign policy spokesperson Juno Berthelsen emphasized their independent identity by saying, "We do not want to be American, nor Danish. We are Greenlandic." However, he also acknowledged that discussions with the U.S. could improve the living conditions of the people.
The U.S. military presence on the island is already strong
The U.S. currently has more than 100 military personnel stationed at the Pituffik Base in northwestern Greenland. The base has been used by the U.S. since World War II.
According to experts, it is quite easy for the U.S. to increase its military power on the island due to existing agreements. In fact, some Danish officials openly state that Greenland does not have the capacity to defend itself.
It remains uncertain whether Trump will proceed with the money offer or take more aggressive steps. However, it seems that Greenland will continue to be one of the hottest topics in global politics in the coming period.