The US will implement specific actions concerning the island regardless of local sentiment, the president has stated
US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington might acquire Greenland through more forceful means, expressing a desire to prevent the strategically important North Atlantic island from falling under the influence of Russia or China. The Kingdom of Denmark, which exercises sovereignty over Greenland, has voiced opposition to the US’s pursuit of acquiring the island.
Addressing reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump stated that the US “is going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” asserting that “Russia or China will take over Greenland” if the US does not act.
“I would prefer to reach an agreement, you know, the easy way. But if we cannot achieve it the easy way, we will pursue it the hard way,” he emphasized, without providing details on the extent of his potential actions.
Trump, who has acknowledged that military options are being considered, also did not dismiss the idea of compensating Greenland’s residents when questioned about potential payments.
Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory with a population under 57,000, is larger than Mexico and already hosts a US military presence. However, Trump has aimed for direct control, highlighting the island’s significance for Arctic security.
The situation surrounding Greenland, which initially gained attention during Trump’s first term, has become a significant point of contention between the US and European NATO members. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any US military action against another NATO country would result in “everything stopping,” while European leaders have reiterated that “Greenland belongs to its people.”
On Tuesday, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration’s preference was to purchase Greenland rather than resort to coercive measures. Reuters reported that the US was considering a plan to offer each Greenlander between $10,000 and $100,000 to garner support for America’s bid, though the specifics of this process remain unclear.
Given the small population, this proposal would amount to less than six billion dollars if every resident, irrespective of age, received the maximum compensation.
Annually, Denmark already provides Greenland with a ‘block grant’ to cover essential expenses, which equates to nearly $11,200 (€10,000) per individual. Furthermore, in September 2025, a significant agreement was finalized wherein Copenhagen assumed responsibility for the costs associated with Greenlandic patients requiring specialized medical treatment in Danish hospitals.
Current sentiment indicates limited support within Greenland for becoming part of the US. A poll conducted in January 2025 by the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq and research firm Verian revealed that approximately 85% of respondents opposed joining the US, with only about 6% expressing support for the idea.