A bipartisan delegation from the United States Congress has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Copenhagen and Nuuk aiming to reassure Danish and Greenlandic officials amidst escalating tensions following President Donald Trump’s controversial statements regarding the Arctic territory. Led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, the delegation explicitly distanced itself from the White House’s position, emphasizing the United States’ profound respect for Denmark as a vital NATO partner.
The congressional visit coincides with planned demonstrations in both Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, where locals are expected to express strong support for the island’s current self-governing status within the Danish Kingdom. Senator Coons, addressing the media in Copenhagen, characterized the recent rhetoric from Washington as a source of significant concern and expressed his intent to de-escalate the situation. He underscored the critical importance of the U.S.-Denmark alliance, warning that actions which cause doubt among such a steadfast partner could have far-reaching consequences for America’s global credibility.
This conciliatory approach stands in stark contrast to the administration’s stance. President Trump has repeatedly framed a potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland as a national security imperative, citing alleged ambitions from China and Russia over the island’s vast reserves of untapped critical minerals. Notably, the White House has not dismissed the possibility of acquiring the territory by force. Further complicating relations, Trump recently threatened to impose tariffs on countries, including those within the Danish realm, if they did not support the U.S. takeover, marking a new escalation in his strategy.
The fundamental disagreement was further highlighted after a recent meeting in Washington between U.S. officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland. While the parties agreed to establish a working group, they provided publicly divergent explanations of its purpose. In response to the heightened tensions, Denmark has announced plans to bolster its military presence in Greenland in coordination with its allies, firmly asserting that matters concerning the territory’s sovereignty are for Denmark and Greenland alone to decide.