Archive · 17 Jan 2026
US Lawmakers Reassure Denmark Over Greenland
The US President, Donald Trump, has been threatening to take over Greenland, which has made Greenland and Denmark very worried.
A group of US lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, went to Denmark and Greenland to tell them that the US Congress supports them and that they should not worry too much.
The lawmakers said that they believe that the situation will be resolved peacefully.
However, Trump has not ruled out using military force to take over Greenland, which has caused a lot of tension.
France and other European countries have warned the US that any military move on Greenland would be a big problem and would create a 'totally new world'.
Denmark and Greenland have said that they are ready to cooperate with the US on security in the Arctic, but only if it is done with respect for their territorial integrity and international law.
The US administration has claimed that China and Russia have designs on Greenland, but Denmark and Greenland maintain that any decisions concerning Greenland must be made by themselves.
A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers met with Danish and Greenlandic leaders to reassure them of congressional support despite Trump's threats to seize Greenland.
Trump has not ruled out using military force to take over Greenland, which has caused a lot of tension and concern among Denmark and Greenland.
France and other European countries have warned the US that any military move on Greenland would be a big problem and would create a 'totally new world'.
Denmark and Greenland have said that they are ready to cooperate with the US on security in the Arctic, but only if it is done with respect for their territorial integrity and international law.
The US lawmakers' visit follows a high-stakes meeting at the White House where Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to change the US administration's position on acquiring Greenland.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, US Senator Chris Coons, US Senator Jeanne Shaheen, US Senator Thom Tillis, US Senator Lisa Murkowski, Jeff Landry, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
- What
- A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers met with Danish and Greenlandic leaders to reassure them of congressional support despite Trump's threats to seize Greenland.
- When
- January 14, 2024 (talks), January 15, 2024 (press briefing), January 16, 2024 (US lawmakers' visit), August 18, 2025 (interview with Financial Times)
- Where
- White House, Greenland, Denmark, France, Poland
- Why
- To reassure Denmark and Greenland of congressional support and to address the diplomatic crisis caused by Trump's threats to seize Greenland.
US Administration
Denmark and Greenland
Ownership of Greenland
US Administration
The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, believes that the US should control Greenland for national security reasons and has not ruled out using military force or imposing tariffs to achieve this.
Denmark and Greenland
Denmark and Greenland maintain that any decisions concerning Greenland must be made by Denmark and Greenland themselves, and they are willing to cooperate with the US on security in the Arctic only if it is done with respect for their territorial integrity and international law.
Threats and Alliances
US Administration
The US administration has claimed that China and Russia have designs on Greenland and has used this as a justification for their calls for a US takeover.
Denmark and Greenland
European leaders, including Denmark, have insisted that Greenland is not a pawn in a geopolitical game and that any threats to Greenland are primarily coming from the US side.
- Date of Talks
- January 14, 2024
- US Officials Involved
- Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Senator Chris Coons, Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Senator Thom Tillis, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Jeff Landry
- Greenland Officials Involved
- Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen
- Danish Officials Involved
- Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen
- White House Press Secretary
- Karoline Leavitt
- Polish Prime Minister
- Donald Tusk
- French Officials Involved
- President Emmanuel Macron, Finance Minister Roland Lescure
- US Treasury Secretary
- Scott Bessent
Sources
‘Last days have been tough...’: Greenland’s FM breaks down on live interview amid Trump’s threats – WATCH
Denmark Sees Fundamental Disagreement With US On Greenland
‘Don’t mess around’: France warns US move against Greenland will create ‘a totally new world’
Norwegian leaders fear losing Svalbard amid Trump's threats to annex Greenland
'Beginning of the end of world': Russia warns of nukes, says third World War will take place in Arctic
US lawmakers arrive in Copenhagen to counter Trump’s Greenland threats
Trump envoy says he plans to visit Greenland in March
US lawmakers seek to reassure Copenhagen after Trump Greenland threats
'Deal should and will be made’: US envoy says Trump 'serious' on Greenland ahead of March visit
Trump's Tariff Threat To Countries That 'Don't Go Along' With Greenland Plan
Trump Warns of Tariffs on Countries Opposing US Control of Greenland
'We need Greenland’: Trump threatens new tariffs on countries opposing Greenland bid
Trump threatens to slap tariffs on nations opposing his Greenland takeover plan
US lawmakers in Denmark seek to ‘lower temperature’ after Trump’s Greenland threats
Trump warns he could impose tariffs on countries opposed to US controlling Greenland
Trump suggests tariffs on countries that refuse to back US control of Greenland - Telegraph India
Denmark’s Arctic commander says focus is on Russia, not U.S., amid security concerns
Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland control
Trump issues new tariff threat to countries that ‘don’t go along’ with US’ Greenland plans
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Support for US Control of Greenland
After Iran, Trump threatens tariffs over Greenland now
US senator threatens to block Trump’s ambition of 'acquiring' Greenland
Trump says he may impose tariffs on countries not supporting US’ control of Greenland
