Media: Trump administration explores $100,000 payouts to secure Greenland

U.S. officials have discussed offering direct lump-sum payments to Greenland residents as part of an effort to persuade the island to break away from Denmark and potentially align with the United States, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Proposed figures range from $10,000 to $100,000 per person, which at the high end would total nearly $6 billion for Greenland’s population of about 57,000, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The discussions are part of broader White House deliberations on how the U.S. might acquire Greenland, including diplomatic options and, controversially, the potential use of military force. One option under consideration is a Compact of Free Association (COFA)—an arrangement under which Greenland would remain self-governing but grant the U.S. control over defence and security in exchange for financial support and services.

President Donald Trump has reiterated that Greenland is strategically vital to U.S. national security, citing its location and mineral resources. He said Denmark is unable to provide sufficient security for the island. The talks have reportedly intensified following recent U.S. foreign policy actions elsewhere, with aides seeking to build momentum on Trump’s long-standing interest in Greenland.

The proposals have drawn sharp criticism in Europe. Denmark and several EU countries issued a joint statement stressing that only Greenland and Denmark can decide the island’s future. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected U.S. annexation ideas, saying Greenland is “not for sale.”

While polls show most Greenlanders favour eventual independence from Denmark, surveys also indicate little support for joining the United States. Economic concerns remain a major obstacle to any independence referendum, keeping Greenland’s political leadership cautious despite growing international attention.

By Vugar Khalilov