17 hours ago
Last Updated:January 09, 2026, 09:48 IST
The US officials have considered offering lump-sum payments to Greenlanders in an attempt to sway them towards favouring a departure from Denmark.
A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP)
In light of US President Donald Trump’s persistent threats to annex Greenland, his administration has explored the possibility of offering cash payments to the island’s residents to encourage a separation from Denmark.
According to Reuters, the discussions, involving White House aides and other senior US officials, are part of a set of options being considered as Trump intensifies his efforts to bring Greenland under US control. The proposal has, however, faced significant opposition from Greenlandic and European leaders.
US Considering Offering Cash Payments
The US officials have considered offering lump-sum payments to Greenlanders in an attempt to sway them towards favouring a departure from Denmark and a closer alignment with the United States, reports suggest.
Reuters reported that two sources mentioned that figures between $10,000 and $100,000 per head were mentioned during the discussions; however, no final proposal has been drawn up. It is important to note that these talks are only tentative in nature and are a part of some larger discussions.
Trump Wants Greenland
Meanwhile, Trump, in an interview to The New York Times on Thursday, expressed that the US must own all of Greenland rather than rely on existing treaty rights that already allow Washington to establish military installations there.
“Ownership is very important," Trump said. “That’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document."
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which oversees defence and foreign policy. However, the authorities in Copenhagen and in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, have repeatedly said that the island is not for sale.
Greenland Rejects US Payments
According to reports, the idea of US payments was openly rejected from Greenlandic leaders with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stating that the territory’s future cannot be dictated from abroad.
“Enough is enough. No more fantasies about annexation," Nielsen wrote in a social media post after Trump again said the US needed to acquire Greenland.
Notably, both Denmark and the United States are members of NATO, and leaders across Europe have underlined that Greenland’s status is a matter for Greenlanders and Denmark alone.
Military Involvement Not Ruled Out
Despite receiving opposition, the White House has not clearly ruled out military involvement in the Greenland takeover. It said the use of the US armed forces is “always an option" available to the US President Donald Trump as discussions continue.
Asked about reports of talks to acquire Greenland, including the possibility of payments, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and his national security team were examining “what a potential purchase would look like".
Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:
January 09, 2026, 09:48 IST
News world Trump Administration Floats $10k–$100k Plan To Woo Greenlanders To Join US
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