"We'll Give You $150,000 Each": U.S. Tries to Persuade with Cash... Greenland Calls It "An Insulting Idea"

Trump Administration Considers Cash Payment Plan
"Greenlanders Do Not Want to Become Americans" ? Local Backlash Grows

The Trump administration in the United States is reportedly considering a plan to provide large cash payments to all local residents of Greenland as a way to bring the Danish autonomous territory under American influence. However, within Greenland, resistance is spreading with many stating, "We are not for sale," and a significant portion of public opinion perceives the U.S. approach as insulting.

A 3D printed miniature of U.S. President Donald Trump is seen alongside the flag of Greenland. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

On January 8 (local time), major local media outlets, citing multiple sources familiar with the White House's internal affairs, reported that the Trump administration has been discussing a one-time payment to Greenland's approximately 57,000 residents. According to the reports, while this idea has been mentioned in the past, it is now being considered in much more concrete terms.

Within the U.S. government, scenarios involving payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per resident have been discussed, with the total budget potentially reaching up to $6 billion. Although the payment method and amount have not been finalized, it is said that White House staff are seriously discussing this as a realistic option.

However, there is strong opposition within Greenlandic society to this approach from the United States. Mia Chemnitz, who runs a business in the capital Nuuk, told the BBC, "We are not something that is up for sale. Greenlanders do not want to become Americans." Masana Egede, editor-in-chief of the prominent local media outlet Sermitsiaq, also expressed concern, saying, "Greenlandic citizens are anxious. This is not something to be taken lightly."

Denmark and the Autonomous Government Also Say "Absurd," Expressing Unanimous Opposition

The Danish government and the Greenlandic autonomous government also maintain that the U.S. "cash purchase" proposal is fundamentally unacceptable. Denmark has repeatedly made it clear that Greenland's sovereignty is not up for negotiation.

Public opinion is also not favorable toward incorporation into the United States. In a survey conducted last January among 497 Greenlandic residents, only 6% said they wanted Greenland to become part of the United States after gaining independence from Denmark. In contrast, 56% expressed support for independence itself. A resident of the northwestern region of Qaanaaq commented, "It would just mean changing from one owner to another, from one occupying force to another," adding, "We have already lost much under the Danish government as a Danish colony."

The United States is also showing signs of strategically leveraging anti-Danish sentiment. Some have even raised suspicions that U.S. representatives engaged with local Greenlandic communities last year to stoke support for separation and independence.

Given the strong resistance to U.S. incorporation, more moderate forms of relationship are also being discussed. Alternatives mentioned include the Compact of Free Association (COFA) model, as seen with Pacific island nations like the Marshall Islands and Palau, or granting associate member status under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, even these options would ultimately place Greenland under direct U.S. influence, which remains controversial.

Trump: "Whether Greenland Likes It or Not, the U.S. Will Do Something"

Some foreign media have analyzed that President Trump's mention of possible military action is a negotiation tactic, intended to make cash payments or political separation appear to be more moderate options by comparison.

In fact, on January 9 at a meeting with oil industry representatives at the White House, President Trump took a hardline stance when discussing the Greenland issue. He made it clear that "whether they like it or not," the United States will take action, openly expressing his intention to incorporate Greenland as American territory.

Trump emphasized, "If we don't do it, Russia or China will take Greenland," adding, "If that happens, the United States will have Russia or China as its neighbor." However, regarding the cash payment proposal for residents, he stated, "We could talk about it," but reiterated, "Whether they like it or not, we will do something for now."