Trump Greenland Update: The Trump administration is reportedly considering offering direct cash payments to residents of Greenland as part of a strategy
to encourage the semi-autonomous Danish territory to move closer to the United States, according to sources cited by Reuters. Internal discussions within the White House have explored providing lump sum payments ranging from USD 10,000 (Rs 898,800) to USD 100,000 (Rs 89.88 lakh) per person. With Greenland’s population at around 57,000, this could amount to nearly USD 6 billion (Rs 53,928 crore) in total, sources said, cited by Reuters. The proposal is one of several options being considered, alongside diplomatic agreements and, potentially, military intervention, although details remain preliminary.
Part of a broader set of options
The idea aligns with previous suggestions of “buying” Greenland, a notion repeatedly rejected by both Copenhagen and Nuuk, with authorities insisting the island is not for sale, a Reuters report said.Reaction from Greenland and Europe
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded on social media, stating, “Enough is enough ... No more fantasies about annexation,” following President Donald Trump’s remarks about acquiring the island.European leaders have also voiced concern. On Tuesday, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and Britain issued a joint statement asserting that decisions about Greenland’s future rest solely with Greenland and Denmark, cautioning against any interference from the United States.
White House seeks discussion with Denmark
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump and his national security team are “looking at what a potential purchase would look like,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet his Danish counterpart in Washington next week to discuss Greenland and its future, according to Reuters.Strategic importance and security emphasis
Trump has repeatedly emphasised Greenland’s strategic importance for US national security, citing concerns over rival powers such as Russia and China.“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark isn’t going to be able to do it,” he told reporters on Air Force One. Sources noted that deliberations on the proposal gained renewed urgency following a recent US operation targeting Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
One option under consideration is a Compact of Free Association (COFA), an agreement under which the US provides financial and defence support to certain Pacific island nations in exchange for military access. Experts note that Greenland would likely need to achieve independence from Denmark before such an arrangement could proceed, and payments might be used to encourage public support for independence or a COFA agreement.
Public Opinion in Greenland
While polls indicate that most Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark, surveys also suggest that they do not wish to become part of the United States, Reuters reported.(With Inputs from Reuters)
