Report suggests US might spend up to 700 billion dollars buying Greenland

TL;DR

One calculation places the potential price of Greenland near $700 billion, according to experts and ex-government figures. Despite such estimates, both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have dismissed the acquisition notion. Talks between nations will occur soon, aimed at reviewing American suggestions on the matter.

A price tag near $700 billion might follow if the U.S. moves forward on Donald Trump’s proposal to buy Greenland, sources say, citing internal estimates seen by news organizations. Such an amount surpasses more than fifty percent of what the Pentagon spends each year. Instead of joint efforts, this scenario hints at deep fiscal commitments tied to a landmass governed partly by Copenhagen. Though self-ruled in many areas, the island remains under Danish sovereignty, shaping any such transaction's complexity. Financial scale aside, interest in the region signals shifts beneath the surface of northern strategy.

Prepared by academics together with ex-American policymakers, the assessment emerged during analysis of Trump's proposals regarding Greenland’s inclusion within U.S. jurisdiction. Amid the battle for dominance over the Arctic region and especially concerning the North pole area, the island gets its share of significance due to its geographical position, and hence the growing competition of, partly, Moscow and Beijing.

With an area of nearly 800,000 square miles, Greenland has a near-57,000-strong population. Underneath its surface, lie rare earth elements that are crucial for high-tech systems and hence, global supply chains are affected by it. Yet strategic importance has not led to transfer; offers have been dismissed. While interest arises now and then, both Copenhagen and Nuuk maintain firm opposition. Ownership remains unchanged despite external curiosity.

“Greenland does not want to be owned by, governed by or part of the United States,” Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said in Washington. “We choose the Greenland we know today as part of the Kingdom of Denmark.”

One senior figure at the White House informed journalists that Marco Rubio, serving as Secretary of State, received instructions to prepare an official plan aimed at acquiring Greenland, with delivery expected within weeks. This task holds significant weight within current government priorities, according to the source. Meetings set for Wednesday brought together Rubio and Vice President JD Vance alongside representatives from both Denmark and Greenland, focused on outlining American objectives and preliminary terms.

A statement came from Trump when questioned by journalists, expressing willingness toward an agreement favorable to everyone involved. Simpler? Perhaps. Still, his words carried weight: "Regardless of path taken, control over Greenland will happen."

Still, Denmark stands firm against the notion. Forceful measures to take Greenland could weaken NATO, stated Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, noting shared membership between her country and the U.S. Such an act might dismantle the alliance altogether. Unilateral steps like these are unlikely to find backing, according to Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund. His view reflects concerns about how one nation acting alone may disrupt collective security ties.

Priced highly, the area's worth ties closely to challenges in shifting sovereignty over land where American forces operate today. Cooperation on safety matters exists between Greenland and the United States as it stands. Operating at Pituffik, joint teams manage detection gear vital to spotting aerial risks early.

Even after refusals from both Greenland and Denmark, talks on stronger U.S. defense collaboration persist. Under current accords, greater American military presence there might still be possible - so say Danish authorities - without altering territorial control.

A move across party lines saw several senators present a new law aimed at stopping the Pentagon from spending money to take authority over an independent country within NATO. This step reflects growing unease in legislative circles regarding past suggestions by Trump on taking possession of Greenland. Respect for independence and borders of partner countries is emphasized directly in the bill's wording.

Opposition among Greenland's population toward joining the United States remains strong. Last year’s survey showed roughly 85 percent disapproved of the plan. Still, views have held steady over recent months.

With talks ongoing, projected expenses along with opposition from both Greenland and Denmark indicate hurdles rooted in politics, law, and budget concerns surrounding any acquisition attempt. Though negotiations continue, financial forecasts combined with regional pushback reveal deep structural barriers rather than simple disagreements. While dialogue advances, resistance paired with rising costs points to complexities beyond mere purchase discussions. Given current dynamics, monetary projections together with official reluctance imply major impediments across governance, legality, and funding realms.