COPENHAGEN, Denmark (RTW News) — A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation arrived in Denmark on Saturday to reaffirm American support for Denmark and Greenland amidst escalating tensions relating to President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to take over the strategic Arctic territory of Greenland.
Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware and leader of the delegation, expressed the urgency of de-escalating the apprehension stirred by the ongoing rhetoric surrounding Greenland. In a news conference, Coons reassured Danish citizens, saying, I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people, emphasizing the collaborative history shared by the U.S., Denmark, and NATO.
In stark contrast, President Trump has intensified claims regarding Greenland's significance, suggesting that it would become a strategic territory for the U.S. to secure against interests from China and Russia, which have expressed their own ambitions on the island rich in untapped mineral resources. The White House has left open the possibility of force being involved in acquiring Greenland, escalating fears within the Danish government.
Coons pointed out during the conference that he has reassured Denmark that “there are no current security threats to Greenland,” countering Trump’s assertions.
The timing of the delegation coincides with grassroots rallies planned in Copenhagen and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, advocating for the island's self-governance as fears over U.S. intentions grow. Coons indicated that robust alliances are vital to global cooperation, warning that skepticism about U.S. reliability could tarnish long-standing alliances.
As Trump’s threats of tariffs against nations that do not support U.S. control of Greenland surfaced, the diplomatic atmosphere was compounded with further complexities. Previous discussions involving the foreign ministers of Denmark, Greenland, alongside U.S. officials, elicited promises of future collaboration but highlighted stark differences regarding the future of Greenland, declaring it a point of contention.
The situation marks a critical point in international relations, as Coons articulated the importance of trust among NATO allies, stating, “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, why would any other country seek to be our ally or believe in our representations?”
