Washington (Web Desk): Senior officials in Washington have been weighing the idea of offering direct cash payments to people living in Greenland as part of a wider effort to persuade the Arctic territory to cut ties with Denmark and potentially align with the United States, according to four individuals briefed on the discussions.
Two of those sources said conversations inside the White House have included figures ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per resident, although no decision has been made on an exact amount or how the money would be delivered. The individuals spoke anonymously because the talks are still private.
Greenland, which has a population of roughly 57,000, is a self-governing territory under Denmark, whose government, along with leaders in Nuuk, has repeatedly insisted the island cannot be bought. Still, the idea of paying residents directly shows how US officials are considering unconventional ways to bring Greenland under American control.
This proposal is one of several options being examined. Others include diplomatic frameworks and even the possible use of military power — approaches that critics say could appear disrespectful to a society that has long debated independence while depending financially on Denmark.
After President Donald Trump again stated that the United States should acquire Greenland, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen responded forcefully. “Enough is enough… no more fantasies about annexation,” he wrote on Facebook.
Across Europe, Trump’s comments have been met with frustration, especially since Denmark and the United States are both members of NATO. On Tuesday, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint declaration making it clear that only Greenland and Denmark have the authority to decide the territory’s future.
When asked about reports of potential payments and purchase talks, the White House pointed reporters to statements by press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Leavitt said the president and his security team are examining what acquiring Greenland might involve, while Rubio said he would hold talks with Denmark’s foreign minister in Washington next week.
Denmark’s embassy declined to comment, and Greenland’s diplomatic office in Washington did not reply to requests for a statement.
Trump has long argued that Greenland is critical to US interests, citing its strategic location and rich mineral resources that are important for advanced military technology. He has also said the entire Western Hemisphere should remain within Washington’s sphere of influence.
People familiar with internal planning say ideas about taking control of Greenland have been circulating among Trump’s advisers since before he returned to office last year, but the issue has taken on new urgency following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro over the weekend. One source said White House officials want to build on that momentum to advance Trump’s broader geopolitical ambitions.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Greenland was essential to US security, adding that Denmark was unable to protect it and that the island held enormous strategic value.
One insider said that while the idea of cash payments has been discussed before, it has gained real traction recently. A proposal to offer $100,000 per person, which would amount to nearly $6 billion in total, is now being seriously considered.
Many details remain unsettled, including how and when any money would be distributed and what Greenlanders would be expected to do in return. The administration has not ruled out military options, but officials say their preference is to achieve their goal through negotiation or financial arrangements.
Among the ideas being explored is a Compact of Free Association, a type of agreement the US currently maintains with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. Under such deals, Washington provides key services and defense, while gaining broad military access and favorable trade terms.
Since these agreements apply only to independent countries, Greenland would first need to separate from Denmark. Some officials believe financial incentives could help persuade voters to support independence or later approve such a pact.
Although surveys show most Greenlanders favor independence in theory, worries about losing Denmark’s economic support have slowed any push for a referendum. Polls also indicate that while many want greater self-rule, most residents do not want Greenland to become part of the US.