Trump Administration Considers Cash Payments of $100,000 to Greenland Residents in Bid to Acquire Arctic Territory

Washington, January 8, 2026 – The Trump administration is exploring the idea of offering direct lump-sum payments to Greenland's residents, potentially up to $100,000 per person, as part of efforts to encourage the Arctic island to secede from Denmark and align with the United States, according to a Reuters report citing sources familiar with internal discussions.Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of approximately 57,000, is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The proposal could cost the U.S. up to nearly $6 billion if the maximum amount is offered to every resident.svs.gsfc.nasa.gov

The discussions mark a revival of President Donald Trump's long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, which he first publicly floated in 2019. Trump has repeatedly cited national security concerns, emphasizing the island's strategic location in the Arctic amid growing competition with Russia and China.Sources told Reuters that U.S. officials, including White House aides, have debated payment ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 per person. The idea is one of several options under consideration, which also include diplomatic negotiations, a Compact of Free Association similar to U.S. arrangements with Pacific islands, or even military action-though the latter has drawn sharp criticism.guidetogreenland.com

Trump Administration Considers Cash Payments of $100,000 to Greenland Residents in Bid to Acquire Arctic Island

The proposal has faced immediate backlash. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen dismissed notions of annexation as "fantasies," stating in recent days that "enough is enough." Danish leaders and several European allies, including France, Germany, and the UK, issued a joint statement affirming that only Greenland and Denmark can decide the territory's future.Critics argue the payment plan could appear "transactional and degrading" to Greenlanders, many of whom prioritize full independence over joining another nation. Polls have shown strong opposition among residents to becoming part of the U.S.secretatlas.com

The White House has not officially commented on the payment discussions but confirmed that options for acquiring Greenland are actively being reviewed for national security reasons.As Arctic tensions rise, the story underscores the Trump administration's aggressive approach to securing strategic assets, reviving debates over sovereignty, alliances, and the role of economic incentives in geopolitics.