U.S. Lawmakers Travel to Denmark to Ease Tensions Over Greenland Acquisition Bid
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers arrived in Denmark this week to reassure the NATO ally amid growing international unease over President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to acquire Greenland. The delegation, composed of members from both the Senate and House of Representatives, sought to affirm the United States’ commitment to its longstanding partnership with Denmark and Greenland, even as thousands protested the U.S. bid.
Among the delegation were Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, alongside Democratic Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Chris Coons of Delaware, and Dick Durbin of Illinois. House members included Gregory Meeks of New York, Sarah McBride of Delaware, Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, and Sara Jacobs of California. The group engaged in discussions with Danish and Greenlandic officials, emphasizing bipartisan support for the Kingdom of Denmark and its autonomous territory.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions following President Trump’s public push to acquire Greenland, a vast Arctic island rich in natural resources and strategic military value. The proposal sparked widespread backlash in Denmark and Greenland, with many viewing it as an affront to sovereignty. Large-scale protests erupted in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and across Denmark, reflecting deep concerns about the implications of such a move.
In response, the delegation aimed to calm diplomatic nerves and underscore the United States’ respect for Denmark’s sovereignty. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen highlighted the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties, stating that the trip “will highlight bipartisan support for our allies in the Kingdom of Denmark.”
The lawmakers’ itinerary also includes plans to attend the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where international cooperation on Arctic issues is expected to be a focal point. The delegation’s presence underscores the U.S. commitment to multilateral dialogue despite domestic political controversies.
Experts note that Greenland’s strategic location in the Arctic has grown increasingly significant amid global competition, particularly given the island’s proximity to key shipping lanes and potential natural resource deposits. The U.S. Department of Defense has identified Greenland as critical to national security, a point underscored by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller in recent media appearances.
While President Trump’s acquisition proposal remains unprecedented, the congressional delegation’s visit reflects an effort to balance assertive U.S. interests with diplomatic sensitivity. The lawmakers’ meetings with Danish officials aimed to reaffirm mutual respect and cooperation within the NATO alliance, which remains a cornerstone of transatlantic security.
For more on U.S. diplomatic relations and NATO partnerships, visit the U.S. Department of State. Information on NATO’s strategic priorities can be found at NATO’s official website. Details about Greenland’s autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark are available from the Government of Denmark. For insights into Arctic security and U.S. military interests in the region, see the Department of Defense resources.
This diplomatic mission highlights the complexities of balancing national ambitions with international partnerships in an increasingly contested Arctic landscape.
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