Washington's Greenland vision: Costs and diplomatic tensions
The White House is investigating the potential costs of acquiring Greenland, reports the "Washington Post." The newspaper highlights this as the "most concrete effort" to realise Donald Trump's vision. Officials are considering, among other factors, the cost of extending a protective umbrella over the island.
Washington is assessing how controlling Greenland could impact the federal budget. In recent weeks, Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the island, a Danish territory, could come under American control. The Republican leader has not dismissed the possibility of using force.
According to the "Washington Post," White House officials are evaluating the cost of turning the island into an American territory. Greenland has a population of 58,000 people, who would require efficient administration, among other things.
How much does maintaining Greenland cost?
Every year, Denmark contributes approximately $600 (£464) million to Greenland's budget, and the island's GDP is around $3 (£2.3) billion. Considering these figures, the White House is developing an offer that exceeds Denmark's. Officials are also attempting to estimate potential revenues from the extraction of natural resources.
"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." He also confirmed that "there is a discussion about what the costs and benefits for the United States would be if we were to acquire Greenland."
The cost analysis partially hinges on whether the Greenlanders would support 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 wonders. He believes acquiring Greenland would be easier than acquiring the Panama Canal or Canada.
Nevertheless, Trump's statements have not been well-received by the Prime Minister of Greenland. Mute B. Egede stated in mid-March that "our integrity and democracy must be respected without foreign interference." At the end of last month, Vice President J.D. Vance visited the island. Just before the visit, his team "were going door to door" asking residents to agree to meet the politician. Ultimately, Vance, along with his wife, only appeared at the U.S. Pituffik Space Force base.
The White House believes it can convince Americans of the idea of acquiring Greenland. The U.S. would recoup its investments, among other things, by introducing licensing fees for extracted minerals.
Danes to visit the island
On Wednesday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen will arrive in Greenland for a three-day visit. This is a consequence of the aforementioned visit by J.D. Vance. The trip is welcomed by Jens-Frederik Nielsen, the incoming Prime Minister of Denmark.
In his view, 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 emphasised in a conversation with Reuters.
