White House explores cost of potential Greenland acquisition
The White House is exploring the cost of potentially taking over Greenland, according to the "Washington Post." The newspaper notes that this represents the most concrete effort to realize Donald Trump's vision. Officials are examining various factors, including the cost of extending a protective umbrella over the island.
Washington is considering how much controlling Greenland would impact the federal budget. In recent weeks, Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that the island, a Danish territory, could come under U.S. control. The former president has not even ruled out the use of force.
According to the "Washington Post," White House officials are assessing the expense of transforming the island into a U.S. territory. Greenland is home to 58,000 people, who would require efficient administration and infrastructure, among other services.
How much does maintaining Greenland cost?
Denmark contributes $600 million annually to Greenland's budget, while the island's GDP is approximately $3 billion. With these figures in mind, the White House is formulating an offer that would exceed Denmark's financial support. Officials are also evaluating potential revenue from natural resource extraction.
"This is a lot higher than that. The point is, 'We’ll pay you more than Denmark does,'" said an anonymous White House official, as quoted by the "Washington Post." The official also confirmed that discussions are ongoing about the costs and benefits for the United States if it were to acquire Greenland.
The cost analysis partially depends on Greenlanders' support for Trump's actions. "If we acquire it, then what does it cost us to take care of these people as part of our Arctic umbrella?" the official asked. He believes acquiring Greenland would be easier than acquiring the Panama Canal or Canada.
However, Trump's statements have not been well-received by the Prime Minister of Greenland. Múte B. Egede stated in mid-March that "our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference." Late last month, Vice President J.D. Vance visited the island. Before the visit, his team reportedly went door to door asking residents to meet with the politician. Ultimately, Vance, along with his wife, appeared only at the U.S. Pituffik Space Force base.
The White House believes it can persuade Americans of the benefits of acquiring Greenland. The U.S. expects to recover its investment resources by implementing licensing fees for mined minerals, among other strategies.
Danes to visit the island
On Wednesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will visit Greenland for three days. This visit is a response to J.D. Vance's recent trip. Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the future Prime Minister of Denmark, welcomes the visit.
He believes that the attention surrounding the island will strengthen the ties between Denmark and Greenland.
"Talking about annexation and talking about acquiring Greenland and not respecting the sovereignty is not respectful. So let's start by being respectful to each other and build up a great partnership on everything," Nielsen told Reuters.
