The US under President Donald Trump is exploring an unusual idea to bring Greenland closer to the US: offering large cash payouts directly to the island’s residents. The proposal is part of a wider effort to reduce Greenland’s ties with Denmark and increase US influence in the strategically important Arctic region.
According to a Reuters report, senior officials in the Trump administration have discussed paying each Greenland resident between $10,000 and $100,000. Greenland has a population of about 57,000. While the plan is still at a discussion stage and details are unclear, the idea has been debated within the White House and among top US officials.
The cash offer is seen as a way to win public support in Greenland, even though both Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have repeatedly said the island is not for sale. Critics warn that such payments could be viewed as insulting and overly transactional, especially as Greenland has long debated independence while remaining economically dependent on Denmark.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen strongly rejected the proposal. In a Facebook post, he said: “Enough is enough… No more fantasies about annexation,” after Trump again spoke about acquiring the island.
Discussions on acquiring Greenland have been ongoing within Trump’s team since before he returned to office. However, urgency has increased in recent days as the US sharpens its global strategic focus.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted Greenland’s importance for US national security, especially in the Arctic, where competition with other global powers is growing. Control over the region would give the US a stronger military and strategic position.
Cash payments are just one of several ideas being examined. US officials are also considering a Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Greenland.
Such agreements currently exist between the US and countries like Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Under COFA, the US provides defence, economic aid and key services, while gaining military access and favourable trade terms.
However, Greenland would first need to become independent from Denmark to enter such an agreement. Analysts believe the proposed payments may be aimed at building support for independence or a future COFA deal.
The White House has confirmed that all options are being discussed, including the possible use of military force.
A spokesperson said Trump and national security team are considering a “range of options” to achieve this foreign policy goal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet Denmark’s foreign minister in Washington next week to discuss the issue.
The proposal has angered Denmark and other European countries, especially as the US and Denmark are Nato allies. Several European nations, including France, Germany, Britain and Italy, issued a joint statement saying Greenland’s future can only be decided by Greenland and Denmark.
European leaders have criticised Trump’s remarks, warning that any attempt to claim Greenland undermines international norms and alliance trust.
