The potential acquisition of Greenland by the United States could cost over $700 billion, according to three sources cited by NBC News. The sum is more than half of the U.S. Department of Defense’s annual budget, highlighting the enormous financial implications of the move.
Despite criticism, President Donald Trump has shown determination, stating that the U.S. will acquire the 800,000-square-mile island “one way or another”. The motivation behind Trump’s pursuit stems from concerns that Greenland’s residents could seek independence, potentially putting the island under Russian or Chinese influence.
Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Foreign Minister, emphasized the island’s stance, saying: “Greenland does not want to be owned, governed, or part of the U.S.” She made the remarks following meetings in Washington with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Currently, Greenland hosts a small U.S. military presence at the Pituffik space base and has historically been open to hosting additional military assets or negotiations regarding its valuable resources, including rare earth minerals.
While some U.S. officials are reportedly considering a less costly approach, such as providing financial aid in exchange for maintaining a security presence, Trump has consistently expressed the desire for direct U.S. control, comparing it to property ownership rather than a lease agreement.
The latest rhetoric indicates that the Trump administration and U.S. allies are taking the statements more seriously, signaling heightened geopolitical tension in the Arctic region.
