President Donald Trump asserts that the United States must seize control of the Arctic island for reasons of national security
The potential cost for the United States to purchase Greenland could reach $700 billion, NBC News reported Wednesday, citing experts and former officials engaged in planning a possible acquisition.
President Donald Trump has recently escalated his efforts to bring Greenland—a self-governing Danish territory—under American authority, pledging to accomplish it “one way or another,” even if that involves military action.
On Wednesday, he presented a new justification, stating Greenland is essential for his proposed Golden Dome missile defense system. In a Truth Social post, he asserted that Russia and China pose a threat to the island and again ridiculed Denmark’s defensive capabilities, remarking, “Two dogsleds won’t do it!”
NBC reports that Trump has directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare a proposal to buy Greenland. Analysts developing acquisition plans allegedly estimate the price tag between $500 and $700 billion, which exceeds half of the annual budget for the Department of War.
Government sources indicate the U.S. is most inclined to either purchase the island or negotiate an agreement—such as a compact of free association that would exchange U.S. economic assistance for an expanded military footprint. Nevertheless, some caution that the use of force to obtain Greenland remains a possibility.
Officials in Denmark and Greenland have consistently stated the island is not available for purchase and have denounced Trump’s language as a direct challenge to Danish sovereignty.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt visited Washington on Wednesday to seek clarification on Trump’s aims. Following meetings with Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance, Rasmussen characterized the discussions as “constructive,” but conceded the fundamental disagreement persists, noting “it’s clear that Trump has this wish of conquering Greenland.”
Both Rasmussen and Motzfeldt stated they unequivocally rejected any alteration to the island’s sovereignty but consented to establish a “high-level working group” with the U.S. to “explore if we can find a common way forward.” The group is scheduled to convene in the next few weeks.
The people of Greenland strongly oppose becoming part of the United States. A Berlingske poll conducted last year indicated 85% are against the idea. The notion is also unpopular within the U.S.; an Economist-YouGov poll this week reveals over two-thirds of Americans oppose acquiring Greenland.