Republican Discontent Over Trump's Greenland Ambitions

Fri Feb 13 2026 23:25:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An AP-NORC poll reveals that President Trump's efforts to assert control over Greenland have largely alienated both the public and Republicans, indicating a significant vulnerability in his administration's foreign policy approach.

A recent AP-NORC poll shows that nearly 70% of U.S. adults disapprove of President Trump's handling of Greenland, including a notable divide within the Republican party. While a substantial portion of Republicans typically support Trump, around 50% disapprove of his Greenland initiative due to concerns about its aggressive nature and implications for U.S. foreign relations. This episode reflects shifting sentiments among younger Republicans, who are particularly critical of Trump’s strategy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump's attempt to seize control of Greenland has not only faced backlash from the general public but has also left many Republicans uneasy, as highlighted by a new AP-NORC poll.

The survey indicates that about 70% of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump's approach to Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, surpassing disapproval ratings regarding his overall foreign policy.

Even within the Republican party, around half express disapproval of Trump's intentions, marking a notable exception to their usually unwavering support for the president. Many view Trump's security claims for needing Greenland — to counter threats from Russia and China in the Arctic — with skepticism due to existing U.S. military presence in the region.

The poll, conducted from February 5-8, reflects sentiments after Trump backed down from his tariffs aimed to pressure European nations into supporting U.S. control over Greenland.

Surprisingly, Trump's Greenland policy ranks among his lowest ratings, especially among younger Republicans, about 60% of whom disapprove, in stark contrast to his performance on issues like the economy and immigration where he enjoys over 80% approval.

Among Republicans, the divide is apparent, with young conservatives expressing disillusionment over Trump's aggressive stance. Independent voters also criticize Trump's approach, considering it unreasonable to assert claims over a recognized territory owned by another country.

Despite the turbulence surrounding the Greenland situation, Trump’s overall foreign policy approval remains steady with around 40% of U.S. adults in support. However, the growing dissatisfaction, particularly among younger voters, could indicate mounting challenges for Trump as the political landscape evolves ahead of future elections.