Greenland drama: US lawmakers show bipartisan support against Trump’s takeover threat

Copenhagen: A bipartisan group of 11 US Congress members arrived in Copenhagen on January 16 to show support for Denmark and Greenland, following controversial statements by President Donald Trump about acquiring the Arctic island.

The delegation met Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic leaders, and also held discussions with Danish business groups. In a show of unity, the Greenlandic flag was raised in the Danish parliament.

Senator Dick Durbin emphasised that the American people back Denmark and Greenland, and that the president’s statements do not represent the views of Congress. In Greenland, residents welcomed the congressional support, dismissing Trump’s comments as his personal opinion.

The visit coincided with a European military exercise in Greenland, involving troops from France, Britain, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Officials said the deployment was meant to signal Europe’s commitment to defending Arctic sovereignty. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that any US acquisition of Greenland is “out of the question,” while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Trump’s interest in the island’s mineral resources.

Also read: ‘We choose Denmark’: Greenland PM rejects Trump’s takeover bid

Large protests are planned in Denmark and Greenland against Trump’s territorial claims. Social media campaigns have also highlighted strong public opposition across Nuuk, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, and Odense.

The US delegation includes Democrats Chris Coons, Jeanne Shaheen, Peter Welch, Madeleine Dean, Steny Hoyer, Sara Jacobs, Sarah McBride, Gregory Meeks, and Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis. Their visit follows discussions in Washington, where Danish representatives noted fundamental disagreements with the US over Greenland’s future.

Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, holds strategic significance and abundant mineral resources. President Trump has repeatedly suggested the US may need the island, despite it being under NATO protection and Danish sovereignty. European nations, through coordinated troop deployments, aim to demonstrate their commitment to protecting Arctic territorial integrity.

The congressional visit underscores bipartisan US support for Greenland and Denmark, highlighting the difference between legislative and executive perspectives. It also reflects the growing importance of international diplomacy in managing Arctic geopolitical tensions while ensuring regional stability.
(With AFP inputs)