President Donald Trump's renewed ambition to acquire Greenland for the United States has been met with a stark price tag and overwhelming public disapproval, setting the stage for a significant diplomatic confrontation. The plan, which Trump insists is vital for national security, is estimated to cost a staggering $700 billion according to analysis by scholars and former officials reported by NBC News.
A Costly Proposition and Public Rejection
The astronomical figure, which exceeds half of the US Defence Department's annual budget, comes as a new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals the profound unpopularity of the idea among American voters. The survey, published on Wednesday 14 January 2026, found that a mere 17 percent of Americans approve of Trump's efforts to purchase the mineral-rich Danish territory. In contrast, 47 percent explicitly disapprove.
Furthermore, the public overwhelmingly rejects the use of military force to achieve this goal. A resounding 71 percent of respondents – including majorities of both Democrats and Republicans – labelled such action a "bad idea". The poll also indicated deep concern that the pursuit of Greenland could damage the NATO alliance and US relations with Europe, a view held by 66 percent of those surveyed.
Security Claims and Diplomatic Pushback
President Trump has vigorously defended the proposed acquisition on his Truth Social platform, framing it as a strategic imperative. "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," he stated. He issued a stark warning, claiming, "IF WE DON'T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!"
These assertions have been firmly rejected by officials in both Greenland and Denmark, who maintain the territory is "not for sale". Jess Berthelsen, chair of Greenland's national trade union confederation SIK, told The Guardian the people of Greenland "can't recognise" Trump's claims about Russian and Chinese naval presence. "His claims about our waters being full of Russian and Chinese ships, we cannot see that at all," Berthelsen said.
High-Level Meetings and Future Plans
Despite the opposition, the Trump administration is proceeding with its strategy. A senior White House official confirmed to NBC that Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with developing a formal purchase proposal for the president. Meanwhile, Rubio and Vice President JD Vance were scheduled to meet with officials from Denmark and Greenland in Washington D.C. on Wednesday 14 January.
President Trump has vowed to take over the territory "one way or the other," a declaration that has been vehemently rejected by Copenhagen and Nuuk. With a $700 billion price tag, minimal public support, and steadfast international resistance, the plan for a US-owned Greenland faces formidable obstacles on all fronts.
