The Trump administration is actively exploring a radical plan to offer substantial financial incentives directly to Greenland's citizens in a bid to convince them to support the territory becoming part of the United States, according to a new report.
The Cash-for-Allegiance Proposal
Officials within the White House have held serious discussions about making lump sum payments to individual Greenlanders, with figures ranging from $10,000 to a staggering $100,000 per person. This strategy, revealed by Reuters, is seen as a potential pathway to "buying" the loyalty of the island's 57,000 inhabitants, despite its status as an autonomous Danish territory.
A source indicated that while the concept of direct payments is not entirely new, deliberations have gained significant momentum in recent times. The administration is reportedly keen to capitalise on the political momentum following last week's arrest of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro.
National Security Justification Meets Firm Resistance
President Donald Trump has consistently framed the potential acquisition of Greenland as a critical national security imperative for the United States. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One on Sunday, 4 January 2026, Trump stated, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it."
This position was echoed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday 7 January. She confirmed the option is being "actively discussed" by the president and his national security team, noting its historical precedent. "This is something that presidents dating back to the 1800s have said is advantageous for America's national security," Leavitt said. When questioned, she refused to rule out any options, including military force.
International Backlash and a Unified 'No'
The proposal has been met with unequivocal rejection from authorities in both Greenland and Denmark. Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, bluntly dismissed the notion in a Facebook post on Sunday, writing, "No more fantasies about annexation."
The Danish defence ministry issued a stark warning, stating its troops would respond with force to any invasion of Greenland. Furthermore, a powerful coalition of European nations—including Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom—released a joint statement on Tuesday 6 January affirming their support for Greenland's current status. "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland," the statement declared.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio's planned meetings with Danish officials next week are now set against this backdrop of intense diplomatic friction. Polls consistently show a majority of Greenlanders oppose a US takeover, and legal experts have previously criticised the administration's push.
