Trump Administration Eyes Greenland Acquisition with $10,000 Incentive Per Resident
In a bold and controversial geopolitical move, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring the possibility of offering $10,000 to each Greenlandic citizen as part of a broader strategy to annex the Arctic island, according to a report from The New York Times. This proposal aims to replace the annual $600 million in subsidies that Denmark currently allocates to the semi-autonomous territory.
A Strategic Arctic Ambition
What once seemed like political satire is now being taken seriously within Washington's inner circles. The proposed plan has engaged multiple U.S. cabinet departments and is being coordinated by the White House’s National Security Council, which has held several high-level meetings on the matter. As The Washington Post further reported, the Office of Management and Budget has begun assessing both the financial obligations and potential revenues associated with the acquisition of Greenland.
Greenland, home to nearly 60,000 residents, holds significant strategic and economic interest for the U.S. due to its vast reserves of rare earth minerals, copper, gold, uranium, and untapped oil resources. Some officials believe that these resources could generate enough income to offset the cost of governance and infrastructure development.
A Soft Power Approach—For Now
While President Donald Trump has publicly stated that "we will get Greenland," administration insiders emphasized to The New York Times that the approach remains centered on economic and diplomatic persuasion rather than military intervention. Nonetheless, Trump has not ruled out any options, stating that “there’s a good possibility we could do it without military force,” but declining to “take anything off the table.”
This proposal has sparked backlash from Greenlandic residents and Danish officials alike. Local opposition remains firm, with many viewing the offer as an affront to their autonomy and identity. The sentiment was echoed by Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who criticized the “tone” of recent U.S. overtures. In a published statement, Rasmussen said, “We agree that status quo in the Arctic is not an option. So let’s talk about how we can fix it—together.”
High-Level Visit Adds Fuel to the Fire
In late March, U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to increasing its presence in the Arctic. Vance acknowledged the strategic importance of the island, stating, “The story of Greenland over the past 20 years when it comes to security is that we’ve underinvested in the infrastructure.”
The visit was not without controversy. Originally intended to include cultural engagements led by Usha Vance, the itinerary was reportedly altered due to political protests and local unrest, as CNN reported. While the White House attributed the change to “logistical concerns,” the move has been interpreted by some observers as a reaction to mounting demonstrations and Greenland’s evolving political landscape.
The Bigger Picture
The U.S. interest in Greenland reflects growing global competition in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping lanes and exposing previously inaccessible resources. The Trump administration's plan—though still in the early stages—signals an aggressive push to secure America’s influence in the far north, challenging existing norms of territorial sovereignty and international diplomacy.
Sources: News Agencies