In a surprising diplomatic move, the Trump administration is reportedly exploring a plan to offer $10,000 a year to every household in Greenland.
The aim? To win over locals on the Arctic island, as the administration continues its effort to bring Greenland under U.S. influence. This news comes from a recent report by The New York Times.
President Trump’s long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland has stirred controversy, especially in Denmark, which technically governs the territory.
Danish leaders have made it clear: “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.” While Greenland currently has limited self-governing powers, all major political parties there support full independence from Denmark.
Adding fuel to the fire, Second Lady Usha Vance recently announced plans to visit Greenland for a dog sledding event. Vice President JD Vance then said he would join her.
However, the announcement wasn’t well received. Both Greenlandic and Danish officials viewed the trip as politically charged.
According to reports, when U.S. teams went door to door in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, to find hosts for the Vances, no one expressed interest. Nuuk, home to about 20,000 people out of Greenland’s total 56,000 residents, made its stance clear.
Ultimately, the Vances significantly cut their trip short, skipping public events and only visiting the U.S. Space Force base in Pituffik before heading back to Washington.
Payments to Greenlanders—But Not Americans
If the New York Times report proves accurate, the White House is seriously considering direct annual payments to Greenlanders as part of a broader charm offensive.
These payments—$10,000 per household—would mirror, though fall slightly short of, the roughly $600 million Denmark sends each year in aid.
However, the idea of sending out large sums of money to foreign households has sparked backlash at home. With economic hardship growing in the U.S. and consumer confidence plunging, voters are questioning the priorities of the Trump administration.
A Fox News poll from March showed that more than 70% of voters opposed the idea of acquiring Greenland, making it one of the administration’s most unpopular proposals.
Sending checks to Greenland might shift local sentiment there, but it could seriously damage support within the U.S., where many Americans feel their economic struggles are being ignored.
Winning Hearts Abroad While Losing Them at Home?
If the plan is indeed on the table, it signals a major shift in strategy. But the cost of trying to buy goodwill abroad—especially when Americans are struggling—could be a political gamble.
While the administration hopes such payments will build long-term favor with Greenland’s people, critics argue that it may only deepen resentment among voters back home.
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