US lawmakers from both parties have promised legislative action to block President Donald Trump's threatened tariffs on European allies, including Nato members Denmark, the UK, Germany and France. The tariffs, which Trump announced over the weekend, would begin at 10% in February and escalate to 25% by June unless a deal is reached for the US to purchase Greenland.
Democratic Senator Peter Welch plans to introduce a resolution under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to terminate the tariffs. Representative Gregory Meeks, the ranking Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee, will offer a similar resolution. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer indicated Democrats would introduce legislation with binding authority. However, Trump could veto any measure, requiring a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override – a high bar that demands significant Republican support.
A bipartisan congressional delegation travelled to Denmark and Greenland over the weekend to reassure officials of US support. Senator Chris Coons, who led the trip, said: 'Greenland is a part of Denmark. Denmark is our Nato ally. That should be the end of this discussion.' Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, also on the trip, called the tariffs 'a profound mistake' and urged that Greenland be viewed as an ally rather than an asset.
Some Republicans have voiced opposition. Retiring Senator Thom Tillis said the tariff threat is 'great for Putin, Xi and other adversaries who want to see Nato divided'. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that a US takeover of Greenland would spell the end of Nato, while Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated: 'We choose Denmark.'
House Speaker Mike Johnson told British media he does not foresee military intervention in Greenland and believes 'diplomatic channels is the way to go'. Democrats will test Republican willingness to constrain Trump's posturing in a House vote on Thursday on a resolution to limit intervention in Venezuela.
