In a bold escalation of long-standing U.S. ambitions, the Trump administration is reportedly considering direct lump-sum payments to Greenland’s approximately 57,000 residents as part of efforts to encourage the Arctic island to secede from Denmark and align with the United States. According to multiple sources familiar with internal White House discussions, officials have floated payment ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, potentially totaling nearly $6 billion if the higher figure is pursued.

This unconventional strategy comes amid renewed intensity in President Trump’s campaign to acquire Greenland, revived following the recent U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. Administration aides are said to be leveraging the momentum from that high-profile action to advance geopolitical objectives in the Arctic region.

Why Greenland Matters to the U.S.

President Trump has repeatedly emphasized Greenland’s critical role in American national security, describing it as “an absolute necessity” to counter growing Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. The island’s strategic location allows for monitoring ballistic missile threats, hosting military bases (such as the existing Pituffik Space Base), and securing vital shipping routes that are opening due to melting ice.

Beyond defense, Greenland is rich in natural resources. It holds significant deposits of rare earth minerals—39 of the 50 elements classified as critical to U.S. national security—including graphite, lithium, and uranium essential for batteries, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and advanced military technology. As global competition for these resources heats up, especially with China’s dominance in mining and processing, securing Greenland could reduce U.S. vulnerabilities.

Historical U.S. interest dates back decades, with formal offers to purchase the island in 1946 ($100 million) and earlier discussions in the 19th and 20th centuries. Trump’s first public push came in 2019, and it has intensified since his 2025 inauguration.

The Proposed Payment Plan and Path to Acquisition

Sources indicate that direct payments to residents are seen as a way to “buy” local support for secession from Denmark. Greenland, while autonomous in domestic affairs, relies on Danish subsidies and handles foreign policy and defense through Copenhagen.

Key elements under discussion include:

• Independence Referendum Incentive: Payments could sway public opinion toward an independence vote, a prerequisite for any closer U.S. ties.
• Compact of Free Association (COFA): Similar to agreements with Pacific nations like Palau and Micronesia, this would provide U.S. financial aid, defense guarantees, and economic benefits in exchange for military access—without full annexation.
• Outright Purchase or Annexation: While preferred options lean toward diplomacy, the White House has not ruled out military force, though officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stressed buying as the primary intent.

The idea of resident payments gained traction in recent days, with discussions becoming “more serious” post-Venezuela operation.

Reactions from Denmark and Greenland

Responses from Copenhagen and Nuuk have been firmly negative. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated, “That’s enough now. No more fantasies of annexation,” while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Denmark’s territory is “not for sale.”

Polls show mixed sentiments among Greenlanders: Many support independence from Denmark (up to 85% in some surveys), driven by desires for greater self-determination and economic opportunities from mining. However, the vast majority—around 85%—oppose joining the United States, preferring full sovereignty or stronger ties without annexation.

European leaders, including those from France, Germany, and the UK, issued joint statements affirming Greenland’s sovereignty and warning that any aggressive action could undermine NATO unity.

Upcoming Diplomacy: Rubio’s Meeting

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to meet Danish counterparts next week in Washington to discuss Greenland’s future. Rubio has clarified that Trump’s goal is a purchase, not invasion, though he noted every president retains military options for national security threats. Denmark and Greenland requested an urgent dialogue to “add nuance” and replace rhetoric with sensible talks.

As tensions simmer, the world watches whether this revival of 19th-century-style territorial ambitions will lead to a historic deal, heightened Arctic rivalry, or a diplomatic breakthrough. For now, the Trump administration insists all options—diplomatic, economic, or otherwise—remain on the table to secure what it views as vital American interests.