President Trump has stated he wants to buy Greenland. Let’s just say this: I understand the strategic value of Greenland for the United States. It’s a giant landmass bordering the Northwest Passage, with very little defense against invasion. For example, if China or Russia tried to take Greenland, they could, and the cost to remove them might be prohibitive. They could potentially maintain a presence indefinitely.
So, if President Trump is serious, let’s consider a playbook based on another US territory, Puerto Rico, with over 3 million inhabitants, 90% of whom consistently vote to become a state. The reason Puerto Rico isn’t a state is the perceived imbalance it would bring to the Senate by adding two more senators. Politicians fear this would tip the pendulum one way or another. However, if the United States were to admit two states simultaneously, balance would be maintained. This is where Greenland comes in.
If Walter wants to acquire Greenland, the first step is secrecy. The second is to consult with Congressional leaders to see if a vote could be secured for Greenland’s potential statehood, with the understanding that two states would be created: Greenland and Puerto Rico. This would result in two new senators and one congressman for Greenland, and two new senators and four congressmen for Puerto Rico.
The next step involves a discreet envoy, someone unknown to the public, approaching Greenland’s leadership: Prime Minister Mute Egede, the five municipal mayors (Stine Egede, Palle Jeremiassen, Ane Hansen, Malik Berthelsen, Charlotte Ludvigsen), and potentially the mayors of the 16 municipal towns and 31 members of parliament. Prior due diligence is crucial: individuals strongly opposed to joining the United States should not be present. The meeting’s purpose is simple: to ascertain what Greenland’s leaders would want if Greenland were to become a state.
Currently, Denmark provides about $600 million annually to Greenland’s budget, enough to survive, but not to thrive. This translates to roughly $11,000 per inhabitant. When Greenland sought to expand its airports, it had to turn to China for funding until the United States intervened.
So, the question is: What would Greenland want? I was shocked to hear a commentator suggest the US should buy Greenland for $1.5 trillion. Pay whom? The people of Greenland? Denmark? This does not make any sense, that is $26 million dollars per person.
Most Greenlanders would likely choose independence from Denmark, but they rely on that $600 million (2019 figures) to function.
A more realistic acquisition price might involve:
- $50 billion for infrastructure projects and investments, government operations and public welfare.
- A $2 billion annual budget. (3X increase)
- A $1,000,000 payment to each Greenlandic citizen, vested as a pension, some cash upfront, but not too high to break the system with massive inflation.
Naturally, the final demands would be determined by Greenland’s leaders.
The next step is convincing Greenland’s leaders to hold a referendum. The first question would address independence from Denmark, a prerequisite for self-determination. The second would ask whether an independent Greenland should become the 52nd state.
A pre-existing agreement between the United States and Greenland’s Prime Minister would outline the terms: independence from Denmark and statehood in exchange for $1,000,000 per citizen (for a pension fund), a $50 billion infrastructure and investment fund, and a $2 billion annual budget. The alternative would be to remain with Denmark. This referendum should be presented with minimal advance notice, perhaps two weeks before the election, to minimize outside influence and counter-campaigns.
Faced with a potential $1,000,000 windfall, and a current GDP per capita of $57,000, it’s likely most Greenlanders would choose statehood. It’s about securing their children’s future, ensuring basic needs are met today, and improving their financial well-being.
This strategy mirrors Russia’s annexation of Crimea, but with a crucial difference: the US wouldn’t need to invade Greenland. A $1.5 trillion or even $500 billion payout is unrealistic and unlikely to gain Congressional approval (a two-thirds majority would be necessary). Moreover, distributing $500 billion among 57,000 people (roughly $8.7 million each) would devastate Greenland’s economy, culture, and way of life. Work would cease, essential services would collapse, and mass emigration would likely ensue.
Statehood is key, and Congress won’t approve one new state that could create an imbalance of power. Two new states are needed, and that’s where Puerto Rico comes in. While some Congressional leaders may oppose the plan, national security concerns and the relatively modest financial commitment (compared to the benefits) should sway most. Many states receive over $10 billion annually in federal funds (Michigan receives over $30 billion). A one-time payment of $50 billion, $57 billion for citizens, and a $2 billion annual budget is a bargain for Greenland, and likely palatable to most in Congress.
The biggest obstacle is Congress, and convincing them that four new senators, who might upset the current political balance, are a worthwhile addition for the sake of fairness and self-determination for Puerto Rico and Greenland. If the United States were inclined toward expansion, perhaps Panama and Cuba might also seek statehood. However, this would likely necessitate ending birthright citizenship, as Panama would attract millions seeking to have children who are US citizens, also Panama’s banking sector would fall under US jurisdiction greatly altering international wealth. Cuba, on the other hand, would need its leaders to relinquish power and hold a referendum, though that may be unlikely as power often trumps financial incentives in Latin America. If they had that incentive, it is with certainty that a majority of cubans would vote to exit 70 years of disaster.
