Purchasing Greenland would require the United States to invest at least $700 billion, according to an estimate by scientists and former US officials cited by NBC. Despite denials from Denmark and Greenland of Mr. Trump’s statements about acquiring the island, a senior White House official said that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with preparing an official offer to purchase Greenland in the coming weeks, calling it a priority for the administration.
Such a high price tag reflects the scale of infrastructure projects needed to integrate Greenland into the US system. In addition to the territory itself, ports, airports, communications, and military infrastructure would need to be developed.
US strategic interest in the island is driven by its geopolitical position in the Arctic, its mineral resources, and control over northern sea lanes.
Amid the US president’s activity, France decided to open its first consulate in Greenland on February 6, presenting the move as a political signal in response to Mr. Trump’s threats. The growing international interest in the island highlights the region’s increasing geopolitical significance and the competition among major powers for influence in the Arctic.