Politics

U.S. Lawmakers Plan Denmark Visit as Trump Asserts Intent to Control Greenland

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Jan 13, 2026

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President Donald Trump has reiterated his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, stating that the U.S. will make the semi-autonomous Danish territory part of the country "one way or the other." According to reports, the president has not ruled out military action to achieve this aim. He justified the stance by citing national security concerns and accusing China and Russia of attempting to take over the island instead.

In response to the administration's rhetoric, a bipartisan congressional delegation is scheduled to visit Denmark later this week. Led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and including Republican Senator Thom Tillis, the group plans to meet with government and business leaders from both Denmark and Greenland in Copenhagen. Senator Coons stated that the delegation intends to demonstrate a commitment to NATO alliances, while Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.

The Trump administration’s interest in the island is reportedly driven by its reserves of oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals, as well as its strategic location. As Arctic sea ice melts, new shipping routes such as the Northwest Passage are becoming more viable, potentially reducing travel time between Asia and the West. While Russia and China have increased activity along the Northern Sea Route, the U.S. administration has focused on the strategic value of Greenland’s coastline.

Greenland’s elected leadership has firmly rejected the prospect of a U.S. takeover, declaring it something they "cannot accept under any circumstance." While the congressional delegation aims to show unity with allies, diplomatic sources indicated that Trump administration officials are separately scheduled to meet with Danish officials regarding Greenland on Wednesday.

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• Local leadership and lawmakers emphasize the need to respect sovereignty Greenland’s elected leadership has firmly rejected the prospect of a U.S. takeover, declaring it something they "cannot accept under any circumstance." Supporting this position, Republican Senator Thom Tillis emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of both Denmark and Greenland during the upcoming visit.

• The bipartisan delegation seeks to reaffirm commitments to NATO allies In response to the administration's rhetoric, a group of lawmakers led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons is visiting Denmark to meet with government and business leaders. Senator Coons stated that the primary intent of the delegation is to demonstrate a continued commitment to NATO alliances.

• Lawmakers are presenting a united front distinct from the President's approach The congressional visit includes members from both political parties who are coordinating directly with Danish and Greenlandic representatives in Copenhagen. While the administration pursues control of the territory, this delegation aims to show unity with allies through diplomatic engagement rather than acquisition.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Potential U.S. control over Greenland could open access to reserves of oil, natural gas, and rare earth minerals, affecting supply chains for energy and technology sectors.

• Commercial logistics could change as melting ice makes the Northwest Passage viable, potentially shortening shipping times for goods traveling between Asia and the West.

• National security strategies may shift as the administration prioritizes countering Chinese and Russian Arctic activity, potentially involving military resources to secure control over the territory.

• Conflicting approaches between the administration and Congress regarding Denmark may create uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy stability and the reliability of commitments to NATO partners.

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