---
title: "US-Denmark tensions escalate as Trump considers Arctic expansion over NATO stability"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/67356/us-denmark-tensions-escalate-as-trump-considers-arctic-expansion-over-nato-stability
published: 2026-01-09T12:19:27Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "International"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# US-Denmark tensions escalate as Trump considers Arctic expansion over NATO stability

> ​Washington is debating a proposal to offer substantial one-time payments to Greenland's residents as an incentive to separate from Denmark and join the United States.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/6cc3408b-ccc7-4de9-b3f2-4bf92e9af763.jpg)

​Washington is debating a proposal to offer substantial one-time payments to Greenland's residents as an incentive to separate from Denmark and join the United States.

​According to reports from DW and Reuters, the Biden administration is considering sums ranging from €9,150 to €91,500 for each individual. 

President Donald Trump recently reaffirmed that the Arctic island, home to roughly 57,000 people, is a vital strategic asset for American national security.

​
**Denmark and EU reject US territorial ambitions**

​The Danish government has firmly stated that the autonomous territory is not for sale, a position backed by the European Union. While local polls suggest Greenlanders generally favor eventual independence from Copenhagen, there is significant public opposition to falling under American jurisdiction.

​The future of the NATO alliance at risk
​Internal White House discussions have reportedly explored various acquisition methods, including purchase or military annexation. The geopolitical stakes reached a boiling point on January 5, when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a US invasion of Greenland would trigger the collapse of the NATO alliance.

​In a recent interview with The New York Times on January 7, Trump admitted his administration might eventually face a binary choice: securing control of the strategic island or preserving the integrity of the trans-Atlantic alliance.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**