COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation on Saturday sought to reassure Denmark and Greenland of their support following President Donald Trump’s threat to punish countries with tariffs if they don’t back the U.S. taking over the strategic Arctic island.
Delegation leader Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, said the current rhetoric around Greenland is causing concern across the Danish kingdom. He stated, “I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” while highlighting the U.S. respect for Denmark and NATO.
Coons made the remarks during a news conference in Copenhagen, ahead of rallies in support of Greenland’s self-governance. His position starkly contrasts with Trump's, who has claimed that China and Russia are looking to expand their influence in Greenland, which is rich in critical minerals. Trump has even suggested the U.S. could take control by force.
He reiterated that there are no current security threats to Greenland. However, Trump has threatened tariffs against nations that do not support U.S. control over the island, heightening tensions among European allies. Coons warned, “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, then why would any other country seek to be our ally?”
Denmark's foreign ministers recently met with U.S. officials to discuss the situation, though no consensus has been reached, and they affirmed the necessity of sovereignty for Denmark and Greenland regarding their future.
Delegation leader Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, said the current rhetoric around Greenland is causing concern across the Danish kingdom. He stated, “I hope that the people of the Kingdom of Denmark do not abandon their faith in the American people,” while highlighting the U.S. respect for Denmark and NATO.
Coons made the remarks during a news conference in Copenhagen, ahead of rallies in support of Greenland’s self-governance. His position starkly contrasts with Trump's, who has claimed that China and Russia are looking to expand their influence in Greenland, which is rich in critical minerals. Trump has even suggested the U.S. could take control by force.
He reiterated that there are no current security threats to Greenland. However, Trump has threatened tariffs against nations that do not support U.S. control over the island, heightening tensions among European allies. Coons warned, “If we do things that cause Danes to question whether we can be counted on as a NATO ally, then why would any other country seek to be our ally?”
Denmark's foreign ministers recently met with U.S. officials to discuss the situation, though no consensus has been reached, and they affirmed the necessity of sovereignty for Denmark and Greenland regarding their future.
