Here’s what Americans need to know.
Democratic senators are escalating their rhetoric after President Donald Trump once again raised the possibility of the United States asserting control over Greenland — a strategic Arctic territory long controlled by Denmark.
On Sunday, several Democrats warned that such a move could severely strain America’s relationship with Europe and potentially fracture the NATO alliance, which has served as the backbone of Western security for decades.
Appearing on national television, Sen. Chris Murphy argued that NATO would be required to respond if Denmark objected to any U.S. action involving Greenland. Murphy suggested the alliance could face an unprecedented internal crisis if one member state challenged another.
According to Murphy, such a scenario could raise serious questions about America’s standing among key allies such as the United Kingdom and France — countries that have historically worked alongside the U.S. in global security efforts.
Sen. Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, voiced similar concerns while acknowledging Greenland’s strategic importance. Warner noted that existing treaties already give the United States significant access to the island for defense and intelligence purposes.
However, Warner warned that any unilateral move to take control of Greenland would likely destabilize NATO at a time when global tensions are already elevated.
President Trump has argued that Greenland is too strategically important to leave vulnerable to foreign influence. Speaking to reporters last week, Trump said the United States cannot allow adversarial powers like Russia or China to gain a foothold in the Arctic region, which is increasingly critical to global trade routes and national security.
Trump stressed that he prefers a negotiated agreement, but made clear that he believes American security interests must come first. He also questioned long-standing European claims over the territory, arguing that historical discovery alone does not guarantee permanent ownership.
European leaders have reacted with visible concern, especially after Trump recently approved Operation Absolute Resolve, a high-profile mission that demonstrated America’s renewed willingness to act decisively abroad.
Adding to the tension, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to rule out any options, stating earlier this week that all possibilities remain under consideration.
While Democrats have been the most vocal critics, some Republicans have also urged restraint. Sens. Rand Paul and John Kennedy have questioned whether aggressive action would serve long-term American interests.
At the same time, a handful of lawmakers are pushing for legislation aimed at limiting executive authority over military deployments related to Greenland — signaling that the debate is far from over.
As President Trump continues to press his case, the issue has become another flashpoint in the broader struggle between American sovereignty, global alliances, and a rapidly shifting world order.
