A bipartisan congressional delegation from the United States has arrived in Denmark amidst escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s persistent efforts to acquire Greenland. The 11-member group, comprising both Senate and House representatives, is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen in a demonstration of diplomatic solidarity.
This diplomatic mission follows unsuccessful high-level discussions in Washington aimed at discouraging President Trump from pursuing his controversial territorial ambitions. The president has repeatedly asserted Greenland’s strategic importance to US national security, claiming Denmark lacks adequate defense capabilities against potential Russian or Chinese aggression in the Arctic region.
Despite Greenland’s sparse population, the territory possesses substantial natural resources and occupies a geostrategic position between North America and the Arctic, making it invaluable for missile detection systems and regional surveillance operations. The United States already maintains approximately 100 permanent military personnel at its Pituffik base, operating under existing bilateral agreements that permit unlimited troop deployments.
President Trump has escalated the situation by not only renewing purchase offers—previously rejected by both Danish and Greenlandic authorities—but also openly contemplating military seizure of the territory. These suggestions have prompted Denmark to issue stark warnings about potential consequences for NATO’s integrity, noting the alliance has never confronted scenarios involving armed conflict between member states.
European NATO members have mobilized in support of Denmark, with multiple nations including France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom deploying reconnaissance forces to Greenland. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged additional land, air, and naval assets to reinforce regional security cooperation.
The congressional delegation, led by Senator Chris Coons, includes both Democratic and Republican members, reflecting rare bipartisan concern over the administration’s approach. While most delegates oppose Trump’s proposals, legislative efforts have emerged from both sides—with some lawmakers seeking to prevent military action while others have proposed bills supporting annexation.