Trump Administration Accelerates Push for Greenland Acquisition
President Donald Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland is gaining significant momentum. A senior administration official now suggests that meaningful United States action regarding the Arctic island could materialize within mere "weeks or months." This marks a notable acceleration in the administration's long-standing interest in the territory.
Key Advocate Signals Swift Action on Strategic Island
Thomas Dans, who serves as President Trump's Arctic commissioner and is a key advocate for the plan, stated the president is determined to move quickly. Greenland, while part of the Kingdom of Denmark, holds vast mineral wealth and possesses immense strategic military importance for the United States.
"This is a train route with multiple stops," Dans explained in an interview with USA Today. "Things could move on an express basis, skip the local stops and go direct to the main station. That's where President Trump wants to move it — at high speed." His comments underscore the administration's sense of urgency.
Public Support in Greenland Remains a Critical Hurdle
While Dans believes progress in negotiations could come soon, he openly acknowledged that completing any acquisition would take longer. A major requirement is securing public support among Greenland's 57,000 residents.
"We need to get the people of Greenland on board," Dans emphasized. He noted that although most Greenlanders support eventual independence from Denmark, they strongly oppose the idea of becoming a U.S. state. Dans added that while "things can happen quickly from a transactional standpoint," building trust with the Greenlandic people "will require time and effort from the US side."
Both the Danish government and Greenland's local authorities have repeatedly stated the island is not for sale, setting the stage for a complex diplomatic challenge.
High-Level Talks Scheduled at the White House
Dans' remarks coincide with preparations for significant diplomatic engagement. According to U.S. officials, Vice President JD Vance is set to host senior officials from Denmark and Greenland at the White House on January 14. These talks are expected to be a crucial step in the administration's strategy.
President Trump has publicly insisted that the U.S. must "have" Greenland. He frequently cites concerns that strategic rivals, namely Russia or China, could seek influence or control over the territory, framing the issue as a matter of national security.
Exploring Acquisition Methods and Incentives
According to White House statements and officials familiar with internal discussions, Trump's preferred option remains purchasing Greenland outright. Alternatively, the administration seeks to gain control through new diplomatic arrangements.
However, Trump and his advisers have notably refused to rule out the use of force should diplomatic efforts fail, a stance that adds a layer of tension to the proceedings.
Within the administration, various incentives are being discussed. One idea involves offering Greenlanders direct cash payments, potentially ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person. This financial incentive aims to encourage a faster move toward independence from Denmark.
Under such a scenario, an independent Greenland could then enter a Compact of Free Association with the United States. In exchange for exclusive American security guarantees, Greenland would receive substantial economic support.
Another proposal has involved leasing Greenland for an extended period, but President Trump has publicly dismissed this idea. "Countries have to have ownership and you defend ownership," Trump said recently. "You don't defend leases. And we'll have to defend Greenland."
Rising Tensions with Allies and Global Alarm
President Trump's overt interest in annexing Greenland has raised considerable concerns among European allies. The situation is particularly sensitive because the United States and Denmark are both members of the NATO alliance, bound by mutual defense commitments.
The administration's demonstrated willingness to pursue unconventional actions has heightened these concerns. This perception was reinforced recently when U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a move that stunned the international community and signaled a more aggressive foreign policy approach.
The push for Greenland represents more than a real estate deal; it is a bold geopolitical maneuver with the potential to reshape Arctic strategy and transatlantic relations. All eyes are now on the upcoming January talks at the White House.
