Archive · 9 Jan 2026
US Considers Paying Greenlanders to Join
The United States is thinking about giving money to people in Greenland to encourage them to leave Denmark and maybe join the US.
The amount of money being discussed is between $10,000 and $100,000 for each person.
This idea is one of several ways the US is considering to get control of Greenland.
Some people in the US government think Greenland is important for the country's safety and power.
However, many people in Greenland do not want to join the US, and there are concerns about the economic impact of leaving Denmark.
The US has also talked about other ways to work with Greenland, like a special agreement that would give the US some control in exchange for help and protection.
US officials are considering paying Greenlanders between $10,000 and $100,000 to secede from Denmark and potentially join the US.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with a population of 57,000.
The US sees Greenland as strategically important for national security and geopolitical influence.
Many Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but have economic concerns and do not want to join the US.
The US is also considering other options, such as a Compact of Free Association agreement, which would require Greenland to separate from Denmark first.
- Who
- US officials, including White House aides, and Greenlanders
- What
- US considering paying Greenlanders to secede from Denmark and potentially join the US
- When
- Discussions have intensified in recent days, with no final decision made
- Where
- Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark
- Why
- US sees Greenland as strategically important for national security and geopolitical influence
US Government
Greenlanders
Ownership of Greenland
US Government
The US sees Greenland as strategically important for national security and geopolitical influence, and believes ownership would provide advantages beyond treaties or leases.
Greenlanders
Many Greenlanders support independence from Denmark but do not want to join the US, citing economic concerns and a desire to maintain their autonomy.
- Population of Greenland
- 57,000
- Proposed Payment Range
- $10,000 to $100,000 per person
- Total Potential Cost
- Up to $6 billion
- Greenland's Status
- Autonomous territory of Denmark
- Potential Agreement Type
- Compact of Free Association (COFA)
- Greenlanders' Stance on Independence
- Majority support independence, but economic concerns persist
- Greenlanders' Stance on Joining US
- Most do not want to join the US
Sources
Cash diplomacy? Trump admin mulls $10,000–$100,000 payments to Greenlanders to sway territory from Denmark
Exclusive-Trump administration mulls payments to sway Greenlanders to join US
Cash-for-Greenland plan: US weighs $10,000–$100,000 payments to sway residents from Denmark, report says
US Considers Up To $100,000 For Every Greenlander In Buyout Bid: Report
'Champagne Uncorked In Moscow': Why US-EU Clash Over Greenland Is A Gift Of Putin And Russia?
Donald Trump says his morality, not international law, limits him; comments on China, NATO and Greenland
'I don't need international law': Trump on Greenland
Trump's Greenland Idea Isn't New - 3 Times When US Tried to Acquire the Territory And Failed
Can the US put a price tag on Greenland?
"$100,000 Per Person": Team Trump's 'Money Plan' To Sway Greenlanders Amid Denmark's Warning
Trump’s big plan to ‘buy’ Greenland: Cash payment to residents. Check out the whopping amount in discussion
Trump administration explores paying Greenlanders $10,000–$100,000 each amid island acquisition plans
US may offer $100,000 to each Greenland residents in a bid to takeover the island
Is Trump’s son Barron marrying the Princess of Denmark? Truth behind the viral claim amid Greenland row
What do the people of Greenland want for their future?