Trump Greenland Buyout Plan: Discussions regarding Greenland have once again intensified within the current administrative team led by US President Donald Trump. The Trump government is seriously considering the option of making direct cash payments to the people of Greenland to persuade them to separate from Denmark and join the US. This proposal has created a new stir in European politics and international diplomacy. According to sources, White House officials have discussed giving a lump sum amount to every citizen of Greenland. This amount can range from 10 thousand dollars to 1 lakh dollars (Rs 899063 to Rs 8990635) per person. If the maximum amount is given, the total payment can reach approximately Rs 512466195000 (Rs 51246 crore). However, it is not yet clear when, how and on what terms the payment will be made. Greenland is an autonomous region of Denmark, where about 57 thousand people live. Both Denmark and Greenland have already made it clear that this island is ‘not for sale’. Despite this, Trump has long been calling Greenland very strategically important for America. He argues that this area is important for America in terms of national security, mineral resources and global geo-political impact.

Sources say that this idea regarding Greenland is not new within the Trump government, but the seriousness regarding it has increased in recent times. Especially after the recent US action against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, some White House officials want to take this momentum to Trump’s other geo-political targets. Trump recently told reporters on Air Force One, ‘We need Greenland for national security. This is a very strategic place and Denmark cannot handle it. After his statement, there was a sharp reaction in Europe. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Fredrik Nielsen has also expressed displeasure over Trump’s statements. He wrote on social media, ‘Enough is enough. Now this limit is being crossed. Fantasies about the merger of Greenland should stop. He says that only the people there have the right to decide the future of Greenland.

Why has Greenland suddenly become a topic of discussion in international politics?
Greenland is in the headlines because a new strategy regarding this island was discussed during the administration of former US President Donald Trump. According to reports, US officials had considered the option of convincing the people of Greenland to secede from Denmark and join America by giving them financial payments.

Which country controls Greenland?
Greenland is an autonomous region under Denmark. Although it has the freedom to take its own decisions to a great extent in internal matters, Denmark itself handles issues like defense and foreign policy.

Why is America showing so much interest in Greenland?
Greenland is located at a very important place geographically. It is in the Arctic region, where powers like America, Russia and China are increasing their presence. Apart from this, there is a possibility of large reserves of rare minerals, oil and gas in Greenland, which can prove to be very valuable in the future.

What kind of payments are mentioned in the reports?
According to sources, America had planned to give a large amount of money directly to the people of Greenland every year. These payments could have been in the form of social welfare schemes and personal benefits so that the local people would support the idea of ​​joining America.

Was this plan officially implemented?
No, this plan remained only at the level of idea and discussion. It was not implemented as a formal policy or proposal. However, it certainly became clear how strategically important America considers Greenland.

What was Denmark’s reaction to this whole matter?
Denmark has completely rejected the idea of ​​selling Greenland or bargaining in any way. Denmark’s leaders have clearly stated before that Greenland is “not for sale” and they will decide the future of its people.

How do Greenlandic locals view this issue?
Many of Greenland’s leaders and citizens talk about independence, but they prefer the option of becoming a sovereign nation rather than becoming part of another country. The idea of ​​joining America has not received widespread support there.

Has America tried to buy Greenland before?
Yes, this is not the first time. America tried to buy Greenland in 1867 and again in 1946. But every time Denmark rejected this proposal.

What impact can this issue have on global politics?
The increasing interest in Greenland shows that the Arctic region can become the center of global balance of power in the future. Here the competition between America, Russia and China regarding resources and military presence may intensify.

What is Europe’s stance?

Many big countries of Europe have also objected to America’s stance. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement saying that only these two have the right to take decisions on the relations between Greenland and Denmark. The special thing is that America and Denmark are NATO allies, hence such statements and plans are being considered against the spirit of the alliance. The White House has not officially given much information in this matter. Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt did say that Trump and his National Security Advisor are considering possible options for purchasing Greenland. Foreign Minister Marco Rubio has also indicated that he will soon meet his Danish counterpart in Washington to discuss the issue. According to sources, one option before the Trump administration is to make an agreement like Compact of Free Association (COFA) with Greenland. Such agreements have already been made with small island countries like Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau. Under these agreements, America provides security, postal service and other essential services there, while the American Army gets complete freedom to work there.

What is the catch?

However, for the COFA agreement, Greenland will first have to separate from Denmark and become an independent country. Theoretically, cash payments could be used to induce people to vote for independence. Surveys show that most of the people of Greenland want independence, but due to the fear of ending the economic aid from Denmark, the initiative of referendum has not been done yet. Surveys also show that even though the people of Greenland want to separate from Denmark, they are not in favor of becoming a part of America. In such a situation, this strategy of the Trump administration is not only controversial, but its chances of being successful are also considered low. Overall, America’s alleged cash diplomacy regarding Greenland has raised many questions at the international level. It will be interesting to see whether this plan remains limited to mere ideas or any concrete steps are taken in future.