US Weighed $100K Payouts for Greenlanders to Join America

The Trump administration explored a plan to offer Greenlanders direct cash payments of up to $100,000 per person to encourage them to vote to secede from Denmark and join the United States, according to four sources familiar with the discussions.

Figure 1: The US administration explored ways to acquire Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory with a population of 57,000.

While the exact logistics remain unclear, U.S. officials and White House aides reportedly floated figures ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for each of the island's 57,000 residents. At the high end, the move would cost nearly $6 billion—a figure comparable to the combined annual U.S. aid to Israel and Egypt.

Sources indicated that while internal discussions about payments were not new, they had gained significant traction, with the $100,000-per-person figure emerging as a real possibility. However, the proposal lacked clear details on how or when the money would be distributed.

Beyond Cash: Military and Diplomatic Options

The payment strategy was just one of several options considered by the White House for acquiring Greenland. Officials also discussed military intervention and a diplomatic purchase, despite Copenhagen’s firm insistence that the territory is not for sale.

Another path under review was a "Compact of Free Association" (COFA). This type of agreement, which the U.S. has previously established with nations like Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, would involve the U.S. government providing essential services and military protection. In return, the U.S. would gain the ability to operate freely in the territory and secure favorable trade terms. For this to happen, Greenland would first need to become independent from Denmark.

One source noted that White House aides were keen to build on the momentum from the recent operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro and his wife.

Trump's Strategic Case for Acquiring Greenland

President Trump publicly outlined several reasons for his interest in Greenland, framing the acquisition as a matter of national security and geopolitical influence.

His administration's key arguments included:

• National Security: Trump emphasized the island's strategic location, telling reporters, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark isn't going to be able to do it."

• Mineral Resources: The territory is rich in minerals considered vital for military applications.

• Regional Dominance: The move was seen as a way to solidify Washington's geopolitical influence in the Western Hemisphere.

"It's so strategic," Trump stated while aboard Air Force One.

Greenland and Europe Reject US 'Fantasies'

The proposal was met with swift and unified opposition from Greenlandic and European leaders. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Neilsen, dismissed the idea in a Facebook post, stating, "Enough is enough... No more fantasies about annexation."

European allies also pushed back forcefully. In a joint statement, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark declared that only Greenland and Denmark have the authority to decide the island's future.