Trump Offers $100K to Greenlanders for Iceland Annexation | Arctic

Trump Governance Considers Direct Payments to Greenland Residents

The United States goverment is exploring the possibility of making direct payments to Greenlandic residents in an effort to garner support for separation from Denmark and potential annexation by the U.S., according to sources speaking with Reuters on January 9, 2026.

Financial Details Under Discussion

U.S. officials, including White House advisors, have reportedly discussed potential payments ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person. This equates to between €8,570 and €85,770 based on current exchange rates. Two sources familiar with the matter shared this details on condition of anonymity.

Strategic Context

This potential payment scheme is one of several strategies being considered by the White House to acquire Greenland,a semi-autonomous territory with a population of approximately 57,000 people. Denmark and Greenland have both stated the territory is not for sale. Denmark previously protested external operations influencing Greenland in August 2025, demanding explanations from the U.S.

Potential Challenges

Other plans under consideration include the potential use of U.S. armed forces. Tho, officials acknowledge that direct payments could be perceived as overly transactional and perhaps disrespectful to Greenlanders, who have a history of debating independence and economic reliance on Denmark. Previous reports from January 7, 2026, detailed President Trump’s interest in purchasing Greenland, referencing past territorial sales by Denmark to the U.S.