Bipartisan U.S. Delegation Reassures Denmark Amid Greenland Tensions

Sat Jan 17 2026 16:08:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a visit to Denmark, a U.S. Congressional delegation seeks to counter President Trump's aggressive stance on Greenland, promoting support for the self-governing territory while addressing concerns over potential tariffs against countries opposing U.S. control.

Led by Senator Chris Coons, a bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation travels to Denmark, emphasizing the importance of maintaining faith in the U.S. as a reliable ally amidst escalating tensions surrounding President Trump's push for U.S. control over Greenland. Coons' reassurances aim to de-escalate fears incited by the White House's rhetoric about tariffs on nations opposing the U.S. acquisition of Greenland.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visited Denmark over the weekend to reassure both the Danish government and Greenland of American support. This meeting comes in response to President Trump's threats of imposing tariffs on countries that do not support U.S. attempts to take over the strategically significant Arctic island of Greenland.

Senator Chris Coons, the delegation leader and a Delaware Democrat, voiced concerns about the precarious rhetoric surrounding Greenland, urging for a de-escalation of tension. He stated, I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” emphasizing the strong historical ties between the U.S. and Denmark, as well as their contributions to NATO.

In a news conference held in Copenhagen, Coons announced plans for upcoming rallies in Copenhagen and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, to foster support for the self-governing island. His attempts at reassurance come as contrasting statements continue to emerge from the White House, where President Trump has perpetuated claims that nations like China and Russia perceive Greenland as an area of interest due to its vast mineral resources.

There are no current security threats to Greenland, Coons elaborated, seeking to mitigate fears regarding potential U.S. aggression.

Trump has been insistent on the U.S. controlling Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, declaring that without such control, it would be unacceptable. Recently, he has mentioned the possibility of leveraging tariffs as a means of pressuring nations into compliance regarding Greenland.

Coons reminded that the relationship with Denmark must remain trustworthy, 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? as uncertainty between the U.S. and Europe continues to evolve.