US Lawmakers Split from Trump on Greenland Push in Denmark

A group of US lawmakers visited Denmark this week and directly contradicted President Donald Trump's push to take control of Greenland. The bipartisan delegation met with Danish officials and stressed that the US should pursue talks, not tariffs or force. This comes as Trump announced new tariffs on several NATO allies for sending troops to the island, sparking outrage across Europe and protests in Greenland.

Background

Greenland, a large island in the Arctic, belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. It has some self-rule but Denmark handles defense and foreign affairs. The US already has a military base there, Pituffik Space Base, which plays a key role in watching the Arctic. This area matters more now because melting ice opens new sea routes and uncovers resources like rare earth minerals.

Trump first raised the idea of buying Greenland back in 2019 during his first term. Danish leaders called it absurd and said no. The idea faded until Trump won the 2024 election and brought it back. Since late 2025, his administration has ramped up pressure. Trump has said the US needs full control for national security to counter Russia and China. He claims Denmark cannot defend the island properly.

Tensions rose in early 2026. On January 6, the White House said military action was an option if talks fail. Trump ordered plans for a possible operation, though top military leaders pushed back. He has posted online that he does not need international law and might take Greenland "the hard way." Some in his party even floated bills in Congress to annex it outright.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have stood firm. They issued a joint statement saying Greenland faces unacceptable pressure from the US. They repeated that the island is not for sale and that no one can buy a people. Greenland's prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, said his people want no part in becoming American.

Key Details

Lawmakers' Visit to Denmark

On Friday, a mix of House members and senators from both parties flew to Denmark. They met with members of Denmark's parliament. After talks, the group described the meetings as constructive. They made clear they do not back Trump's aggressive approach. One senator, Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the topic of seizing Greenland should be dropped. He noted there is no room for negotiation and called the plan unrealistic.

The lawmakers aimed to ease tensions. They stressed that the US values its alliance with Denmark and NATO. This trip shows a split inside the US government. While Trump pushes hard, Congress members from his own party are speaking out against it.

Trump's Tariff Announcement

On Saturday, Trump said eight NATO countries will face a 10% tariff on goods to the US starting February 1. The nations are Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland. These countries sent small groups of troops to Greenland for training exercises run by Denmark. Trump called this opposition to his plans. He said the tariffs will rise to 25% on June 1 unless the US gets Greenland.

Trump tied this to security. He repeated claims that China or Russia could grab the island if the US does not act. In a post, he said only America under his leadership can handle it.

European leaders fired back. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said his country will not be blackmailed. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen called any conquest totally unacceptable.

Protests in Greenland and Copenhagen

People in Greenland have hit the streets in anger. On Saturday, large crowds marched in Nuuk, the capital, under a "Stop Trump" banner. Protesters chanted that they are not interested in being Americans. Similar demonstrations happened in Copenhagen, with signs reading "Not for sale."

France, Germany, and others sent forces to Greenland this week. They frame it as routine training but say it shows commitment to the alliance.

In the US, opinion is split. A recent poll shows 55% of voters oppose buying Greenland. Democrats and independents mostly say no, while most Republicans support it. Even more, 86%, oppose using military force.

"Our position on Greenland is very clear – it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and its future is a matter for the Greenlanders and the Danes." – Danish official statement

What This Means

Trump's moves strain NATO ties at a time when the alliance faces threats from Russia. Tariffs could hit trade hard. Denmark exports food and machinery to the US. Other countries like Germany send cars and Sweden sends steel. A 10% tariff adds costs right away, and 25% would hurt more.

For Greenlanders, the pressure feels like a threat to their way of life. They value their ties to Denmark and Europe. EU citizenship gives them rights and travel freedom. Becoming part of the US would change that.

The lawmakers' trip signals pushback from Congress. It may slow Trump's plans. Bipartisan voices could lead to hearings or blocks on funding for any action. Secretary of State Rubio has said buying is still the goal, but diplomacy comes first.

Denmark has labeled the US a national security threat in intelligence reports. NATO talks are underway for a coordinated response. Sweden and others plan joint steps against the tariffs.

Greenland's resources draw interest. Control could give the US use in tech and energy. But experts say forcing a takeover risks long-term fallout with allies.

Protests may grow if tariffs start. Greenlanders worry about their home turning into a battleground. US voters watching closely, as polls show little appetite for conflict over the island.

Trump has not backed down. He says one way or another, the US will have Greenland. Allies watch for his next step as deadlines near.