Bipartisan US lawmakers visit Denmark to counter Trump’s Greenland threats

Friday 16 January 2026 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Bipartisan US lawmakers visit Denmark to counter Trump’s Greenland threats

A bipartisan delegation of 11 American lawmakers arrived in Copenhagen to reassure Danish and Greenlandic leaders of congressional support amid ongoing threats from President Donald Trump to seize the Arctic island. Led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons from Delaware, the group aims to underscore the United States' commitment to NATO allies during a time of rising international tensions. The visit follows heightened diplomatic friction, including a recent White House meeting where Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to sway the US administration on the issue.

The lawmakers, including Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, as well as Democrats Dick Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen, plan to meet Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Coons emphasized in a statement that strengthening ties with allies is essential, stating the delegation would send a clear message of Congress's dedication to the NATO alliance. This comes as European nations ramp up military presence in Greenland to signal solidarity with Denmark.

Tensions escalated after a Wednesday meeting at the White House between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance. Rasmussen acknowledged post-meeting that the US position remains unchanged, with Trump viewing Greenland as critical for national security due to its strategic Arctic location and abundant mineral resources. He stressed on Instagram that Denmark and Greenland are open to Arctic security cooperation but only respecting territorial integrity, international law, and the UN Charter.

In response, several European countries, including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, have deployed personnel for joint exercises named Operation Arctic Endurance at Denmark's request. France's ambassador to the Poles noted this demonstrates NATO's presence and Denmark's enhanced surveillance capabilities in Greenland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declined to send troops, warning that a US military takeover would spell catastrophe for the alliance.

Public opinion in the US leans heavily against forceful acquisition, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll from January 12-13 showing only 17 percent approval for Trump's efforts and just 4 percent supporting military action. Opposition stands at 71 percent overall, including majorities from both parties.