In a move that has reignited global headlines and geopolitical tensions, former President Donald Trump is once again pushing his audacious plan for the United States to buy Greenland. But this time, the proposal has taken a startlingly direct and personal turn: offering every single Greenlander between $10,000 and $100,000 to essentially sell their homeland to America .
This isn’t just a quirky headline from a reality TV star-turned-politician. It’s a serious—and seriously controversial—proposal that taps into deep-seated US strategic anxieties about the Arctic, critical mineral resources, and great power competition. So, what’s really going on? Is this a viable plan, a negotiating tactic, or pure political fantasy?
Table of Contents
- Trump’s New Greenland Proposal: The $100K Per Person Pitch
- Why Does the US Want to Buy Greenland? The Strategic Stakes
- Who Owns Greenland? Denmark’s Firm Stance on Sovereignty
- The Greenlanders Themselves: A Small but Resilient Population
- A Long History of American Interest in Greenland
- Conclusion: Is Buying Greenland Even Possible?
- Sources
Trump’s New Greenland Proposal: The $100K Per Person Pitch
Trump’s fixation on Greenland is well-documented, having first floated the idea during his initial presidency in 2019. Now, as he campaigns for a potential second term, the idea has evolved from a vague notion into a concrete, albeit unconventional, financial offer . He’s reportedly discussed the plan with senior advisers and even Senator Tom Cotton, who has been a vocal proponent of the acquisition .
The core of this new strategy appears to be an attempt to bypass the Danish government entirely by appealing directly to the approximately 56,000 residents of Greenland. By offering a life-changing sum of money to each citizen, the plan aims to create a groundswell of popular support for a sale. At the high end of the offer ($100,000 per person), the total cost would balloon to over $5.6 billion—a massive price tag, but one that pales in comparison to the long-term strategic value the US sees in the island.
Why Does the US Want to Buy Greenland? The Strategic Stakes
The drive to buy Greenland is far from whimsical. It’s rooted in hard-nosed geopolitical and economic realities of the 21st century.
Arctic Dominance and Security
As climate change melts Arctic ice, new shipping lanes are opening, and the region is becoming a critical frontier for military dominance. During the Cold War, Greenland was a crucial pillar of US nuclear deterrence against the Soviet Union . Today, its location between North America and Europe makes it an irreplaceable asset for monitoring Russian and Chinese activity in the far north .
Critical Mineral Bonanza
Beyond its strategic location, Greenland is believed to be sitting on a treasure trove of rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for modern technology, from smartphones to electric vehicles and advanced weaponry . Securing a stable, domestic (or at least, friendly) source for these materials is a top national security priority for the US, reducing reliance on geopolitical rivals like China.
Who Owns Greenland? Denmark’s Firm Stance on Sovereignty
Despite its autonomous status, Greenland remains an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Any notion of the US simply purchasing the island is a non-starter for Copenhagen. Danish officials have been unequivocal: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders, and its territorial integrity must be respected,” a senior official stated .
The idea has been met with outright hostility in Europe. Leaders from Germany and other EU nations have issued joint statements reaffirming that “only Denmark and Greenland will decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland” . The suggestion of using military force, which has also been rumored in connection with Trump’s plans, has only hardened this resolve, with Denmark even conducting large-scale NATO exercises on the island as a show of strength .
The Greenlanders Themselves: A Small but Resilient Population
Any plan to buy Greenland must contend with its people. As of early 2026, Greenland’s population is estimated to be just under 57,000 people . This small, close-knit community is predominantly of Inuit descent (about 88%) and has a strong, growing sense of national identity .
While a $100,000 check would be transformative for many individuals, the idea of selling their ancestral home for a cash payout is deeply unpopular. Their primary political goal is not a sale to a foreign power, but greater autonomy or even full independence from Denmark—a process that would keep sovereignty firmly in their own hands, not transfer it to Washington.
A Long History of American Interest in Greenland
Trump’s ambition is not a new chapter but the latest entry in a long American saga. The US has tried to acquire Greenland multiple times since the 19th century . The most serious attempt came in 1946, when President Harry Truman, recognizing its Cold War importance, formally offered Denmark $100 million for the island—a colossal sum at the time . Denmark, unsurprisingly, refused .
Instead of a sale, the two nations struck a defense agreement in 1951, granting the US significant military rights, including the establishment of the massive Thule Air Base, which remains a key US installation today. This historical precedent shows that while a direct purchase is off the table, the US has always found ways to secure its strategic interests through partnership.
Conclusion: Is Buying Greenland Even Possible?
In short, no. The proposal to buy Greenland is a fascinating blend of realpolitik and political theater. While the US strategic interest in the Arctic island is genuine and profound, the path forward lies not in a transactional purchase, but in diplomacy, investment, and strengthening existing alliances with both Denmark and the Greenlandic government itself. Trump’s $100K-per-person offer may grab headlines, but it’s ultimately a fantasy that ignores the fundamental principles of national sovereignty and the will of the Greenlandic people. For more on US foreign policy in the Arctic, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:arctic_geopolitics].
Sources
- Times of India: $10,000 to $100,000 per person: Trump considers paying Greenlanders to ‘buy’ island for US
- Euronews: Euroviews. Trump acquiring Greenland is just a fantasy
- Council on Foreign Relations: U.S. Attention Returns to Greenland as Arctic Stakes Rise
- Anadolu Agency: FACTBOX – Strategic value, rich critical minerals
- Reuters: Explainer: Why Trump wants Greenland, even by force
- Politico: Greenland: EU countries emphasize Greenland’s sovereignty
- Reuters: Denmark demands US respect its sovereignty after Trump
- Reuters: Danish soldiers would shoot back if invaded, government
- The Conversation: America’s Long History of Trying to Acquire Greenland
- Wikipedia: Proposed United States acquisition of Greenland
- Department of History: Buying Greenland Isn’t a New Idea
- World Population Review: Greenland population (2026)
- CIA World Factbook: Greenland Demographics