In a significant escalation of his long-standing interest in Greenland, former President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that do not support a potential US acquisition of the Danish territory. The remarks, made to reporters at the White House on Friday, underscore a deepening diplomatic rift with a key NATO ally.
Bipartisan Pushback from Capitol Hill
A delegation of eleven US congressmen and women arrived in Copenhagen on Friday for talks aimed at reinforcing ties with Denmark. The group, comprising both Democrats and Republicans, met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Their visit served as a direct counterpoint to the president's statements.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin was unequivocal in his support for Denmark, telling reporters, "We are showing bipartisan solidarity with the people of this country and with Greenland. They've been our friends and allies for decades." He added pointedly that Trump's comments "do not reflect what the American people feel."
The delegation's trip followed a meeting in Washington earlier in the week where Danish officials stated the two nations were in "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland's future. In a symbolic gesture, the Greenlandic flag was raised over the Danish parliament, Christiansborg, during the US lawmakers' visit.
European Allies Signal Resolve
The transatlantic tension has prompted a tangible military response from European partners. Troops from several nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and others, have been deployed to Greenland for a reconnaissance mission and future Arctic exercises.
French Armed Forces Minister Alice Rufo stated the deployment aimed to send a signal to "everyone," including the United States, of Europe's determination to defend its sovereignty. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that an initial team was already in Greenland, with more assets to follow.
On the ground in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, a heightened military presence was noted, following Denmark's decision to bolster defences on the island. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the impact of European troops, saying they did not affect the president's goal regarding Greenland.
Local Reaction and Planned Protests
In Nuuk, residents welcomed the congressional show of support. A 39-year-old union representative, speaking anonymously, dismissed Trump's threats, saying, "Congress would never approve of a military action in Greenland. It's just one idiot speaking."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has been firm, stating a US acquisition of Greenland is "out of the question." Public opposition is set to be demonstrated in large-scale protests planned for Saturday across Denmark and Greenland, organised by Greenlandic associations.
The US delegation included prominent figures such as Democratic Senators Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, and Peter Welch, alongside Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis, highlighting the cross-party concern over the diplomatic fallout.
