If the United States wants to implement Donald Trump's plan and buy Greenland from Denmark, it could cost it $700 billion. (PLN 2.5 trillion) – reported the American station NBC News, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
These estimates were prepared by experts and former US officials. This is part of Trump's plans to take over the island and create a strategic buffer zone in the Arctic, protecting the US from its greatest adversaries. [Rosją i Chinami] – added the above-mentioned people anonymously.
Representatives of Denmark and Greenland rejected Trump's claims that Washington would take over Greenland “one way or another.” A senior White House official said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been instructed to present a proposal to buy Greenland in the coming weeks. He added that this is a “high priority” for Trump.
Purchase or agreement
— The US can already deploy more troops in Greenland and increase its military and security capabilities there in accordance with the agreement between the governments. Why attack cows when they will sell you milk at a pretty good price? said a U.S. official familiar with the matter.
While some Trump administration officials have said the U.S. could use military force to seize the island of 57,000 people. people, other Americans and external allies of the White House believe that a more likely scenario is to purchase Greenland or create a new alliance with it.
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NBS News reports that the White House is considering, among other things, conclusion of the so-called agreement with Greenland a free association agreement – one that would provide US financial assistance to the island in exchange for its consent to the presence of US troops on its territory. The United States has concluded similar agreements with the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
Adding Greenland to this group would fit into Trump's broader vision of American domination in the Western Hemisphere. It would also be a cheaper solution than purchasing the island – according to U.S. administration estimates, it would cost the Americans between $500 and $700 billion. (from PLN 1.8 to 2.5 trillion).
The forgotten agreement of 1916
Although Trump claims Greenland, history is not on his side. NBC reminds that in 1916, the USA agreed to buy the islands in the Caribbean from Denmark – in return, they decided that they “would not raise any objections” to Denmark's political and economic interests in all of Greenland. Thus, Washington recognized Copenhagen's authority over the island.
The declaration was included as an annex to the treaty relating to the sale of the Danish West Indies to the United States. Both documents were signed on August 4, 1916 – on behalf of the Americans, it was done by US Secretary of State Robert Lansing. Danish West Indies Islands – Saint Thomas, Saint John and Saint Croix – were sold to the United States in 1917 for $25 million. (today approximately USD 613 million, PLN 2.2 billion). This move by the US paved the way for other countries to accept Danish claims to Greenland.
Trump claimed he wanted to acquire Greenland to gain ownership of the land – he compared it to owning real estate as opposed to renting it. Taking over Greenland could make its legal status similar to US territories such as Guam, American Samoa or Puerto Rico, and in the long run, strengthen Washington's strategic relations with the island.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
