Cash To Switch Sides? US Weighs $10k–$100k Payments To Pull Greenland Away From Denmark

Washington: Once again the rhetoric and internal discussions regarding America and Greenland have increased the stir. It is reported that the US administration has considered options like giving direct cash payments to the people of Greenland so that this Arctic region gets separated from Denmark and comes closer to America. 

What kind of discussion is going on in America regarding Greenland?

According to the report, several options have been discussed between White House aides and senior officials. One of these proposals was to give a lump sum amount to the residents of Greenland so that they would think in favor of separation from Denmark. During the discussion, an amount ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per person was mentioned, although no final decision has been taken yet.

What does Donald Trump think on this issue?

US President Donald Trump has long been talking about bringing Greenland under US control. In an interview, which appeared in The New York Times, Trump said that the United States wants full ownership of Greenland. According to them, their objectives will not be achieved by mere agreement or lease.

Is Trump ready to accept international law?

Trump clearly said that he does not need international law and that as President, the biggest control on him is his own thinking and morality. He stressed that “ownership” is the only thing that can make America strategically strong.

What is the current situation in Greenland?

Greenland is an autonomous region under Denmark. Denmark handles the responsibility of defense and foreign policy. America has the right to build military bases there under a 1951 military agreement, but local consent is required for this. Both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said that this area is not for sale.

What was the reaction of Greenland's leaders?

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen rejected the American proposals outright. He said that Greenland's future cannot be decided from outside. He wrote on social media that now such fantasies of occupation should be stopped.

What did Europe and NATO countries say?

There is uneasiness on this issue in European countries also. Both Denmark and America are members of NATO. European leaders clearly say that any decision related to Greenland can be taken only with the consent of the people there and Denmark.

What indications has the White House given?

The White House has also clarified that no option has been completely ruled out during the discussions. On behalf of the White House Press Secretary, it was said that the President and his national security team are looking at possible steps regarding Greenland. However, it was also acknowledged that at present all these things are at the initial level.

America's thinking regarding Greenland has once again sparked a new debate in international politics. Now it remains to be seen whether these discussions remain limited to papers only or any further concrete steps are taken.