U.S. Lawmakers Reassure Denmark Over Greenland Threats/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A U.S. congressional delegation visited Copenhagen to calm tensions after President Trump threatened tariffs against countries opposing American control over Greenland. Lawmakers emphasized support for Denmark and Greenland, distancing themselves from White House threats. The visit coincided with large pro-Greenland protests in both Denmark and Greenland.
Congressional Delegation + Greenland Tensions Quick Looks
- U.S. congressional delegation visits Denmark to ease tensions over Greenland
- Sen. Chris Coons: “We respect Denmark, NATO, and our shared history”
- Trump threatened tariffs on nations opposing U.S. control of Greenland
- Protests erupt in Copenhagen and Nuuk with “Hands Off” slogans
- Trump called Greenland essential for U.S. national security
- White House has not ruled out force to seize Greenland
- Denmark says only it and Greenland can decide the island’s fate
- Denmark announces increased military presence in Greenland
- Lawmakers stress trust in U.S. alliances must be preserved
- Meeting between Danish, Greenlandic ministers and U.S. officials failed to resolve divide
Deep Look: U.S. Lawmakers Reassure Denmark Over Greenland Threats
COPENHAGEN — January 17, 2026 — A bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers arrived in Denmark on Saturday, seeking to smooth over a diplomatic rift caused by President Donald Trump’s escalating threats regarding American control of Greenland.
The visit comes just days after Trump warned that countries opposing a U.S. takeover of Greenland could face economic retaliation, including tariffs, further deepening an already tense situation between Washington and the Kingdom of Denmark.
Senator Coons: “Don’t Lose Faith in the American People”
Leading the delegation was Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), who emphasized a message of reassurance and alliance-building in sharp contrast to the Trump administration’s aggressive stance.
“I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” Coons said in Copenhagen.
“There is almost no better ally to the United States than Denmark.”
Coons warned that the current rhetoric coming from the White House could damage NATO unity and broader U.S. credibility on the global stage.
“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?” he asked.
Trump’s Threats Stir Protests and Diplomatic Alarm
While Coons and his fellow lawmakers preached stability, President Trump was doubling down.
During a White House event on rural health care Friday, Trump again floated the idea of slapping tariffs on European countries that don’t support U.S. efforts to take control of Greenland, a semiautonomous part of Denmark.
“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland for national security,” Trump said.
Though he has often cited the island’s untapped mineral wealth and its strategic Arctic location, critics say the president’s rhetoric has become increasingly inflammatory. The White House has refused to rule out the use of force.
Trump’s assertion that “anything less than U.S. control of Greenland is unacceptable” has drawn sharp criticism from European allies.
Protests and Public Backlash
In Copenhagen, thousands of protesters marched in solidarity with Greenland on Saturday, waving Greenlandic flags and holding signs like “Make America Smart Again” and “Hands Off Greenland.” A similar rally was planned in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.
The public backlash reflects widespread alarm across Denmark and Greenland about U.S. intentions and Trump’s use of economic threats.
Diplomatic Talks Yield Little Progress
Earlier this week, the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met in Washington with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Although both sides agreed to form a working group, the parties later gave conflicting accounts of the group’s purpose — further highlighting the ongoing divide.
European leaders, including Denmark, reiterated that only Denmark and Greenland have authority over decisions concerning the island’s future. Denmark also announced plans to increase its military presence in Greenland in cooperation with NATO allies.
Conclusion:
As President Trump escalates his pressure campaign for control of Greenland, a U.S. congressional delegation is working to assure Denmark and Greenland of enduring American respect and partnership. The divide between Capitol Hill and the White House on the issue reflects broader concerns about the future of U.S. alliances and Arctic geopolitics.
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