WASHINGTON: Estimates circulating in U.S. political and strategic circles suggest that acquiring Greenland could cost the United States around $700 billion, underscoring the huge financial stakes if Washington pursues President Donald Trump’s idea of purchasing the massive Arctic territory. Greenland is an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Denmark with strategic importance due to its location and natural resources.
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The figure, reportedly produced by former U.S. officials and scholars familiar with high‑level discussions, comes amid renewed interest in Greenland from the Trump administration. Trump has repeatedly said the United States should have a greater role in the Arctic to counter rival powers such as China and Russia, though Denmark and Greenland’s leaders have rejected the idea of selling the territory.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been leading diplomatic talks with Danish and Greenlandic officials, with meetings scheduled to discuss U.S. interest in Greenland’s future. Rubio told lawmakers the administration’s intention is to pursue a diplomatic route rather than force, though the option of military action has not been formally ruled out by U.S. officials.
Danish and Greenland leaders have consistently reiterated that “Greenland is not for sale,” stressing their preference to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both governments are set to meet with U.S. leaders in Washington this week in an effort to defuse rising tensions and reaffirm diplomatic cooperation.
Public opinion in the United States shows broad bipartisan skepticism about any aggressive moves toward Greenland. A recent poll indicated that only around one in five Americans supports efforts to acquire the island, with a majority opposing military force or unilateral action.
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Analysts say the $700 billion figure reflects not just land valuation, but the likely economic, infrastructure, diplomatic and security costs the United States would incur in any acquisition scenario — making it one of the most expensive territorial propositions in modern history.