By Nityanjali Bulsu
The United States under President Donald Trump is once again pushing a controversial idea to bring Greenland closer to Washington, this time by offering direct cash payments to the island’s residents. According to reports by Reuters, the Trump administration has discussed giving between $10,000 and $100,000 to each person living in Greenland in an attempt to persuade them to break away from Denmark and align with the US.
Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark with a population of around 57,000. While it governs many of its own affairs, Denmark still controls defence and foreign policy. The island is rich in minerals and sits at a key strategic location in the Arctic, something Trump has repeatedly highlighted as vital for US national security.
Sources familiar with White House discussions said the proposal is still at an early stage, but figures being discussed could total nearly $6 billion if higher payments are approved. The idea is being seen as another attempt to “buy” Greenland, an idea Trump floated earlier and which was firmly rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic leaders.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reacted sharply after Trump again raised the issue. Denmark has also made its position very clear. In a strong warning, the Danish defence ministry said its soldiers are authorised to open fire immediately if any foreign force attempts to invade Danish territory in the Arctic. This rule of engagement dates back to 1952 and, officials confirmed, is still in force.
Despite this, US officials have not ruled out military options, even though they claim diplomatic and financial routes are preferred. Reuters reported that discussions inside the White House gained urgency after a recent US operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, which some aides saw as momentum for Trump’s other geopolitical goals.
Another option being discussed is a Compact of Free Association, or COFA. Under such agreements, the US provides financial aid and defence support in exchange for military access and trade benefits. The US already has similar arrangements with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. However, Greenland would first need to become independent from Denmark for such a deal to be possible.
Keywords:
Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, President Donald Trump, Greenland, The United States, Denmark, Washington, Arctic, US national security, foreign policy, White House, Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, geopolitical goals, COFA, Micronesia, Palau, Marshall Islands.