Republican Calls Trump Embarrassing
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is drawing attention after publicly criticizing President Trump over reports involving a private letter sent to Norway’s prime minister regarding Greenland.
Bacon described the situation as “very embarrassing conduct” in a post on social media, reacting to reporting that outlined Trump’s interest in the United States acquiring Greenland, a strategically important Arctic territory.
According to the report, Trump referenced the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize last year. In the letter, the president suggested the decision affected how he now approaches global diplomacy, stating he no longer feels obligated to think solely in terms of peace.
President Trump has repeatedly questioned Denmark’s long-standing claim of sovereignty over Greenland, arguing that the island’s strategic location and vast natural resources make it critical to U.S. national security. As part of his broader pressure campaign, Trump has also proposed a 10 percent tariff on goods imported from eight European countries.
Bacon, who has announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, has emerged as one of the few Republican lawmakers openly criticizing the president on the issue. Last week, he said he would consider impeachment if the United States were to use military force to seize Greenland, calling such a scenario unacceptable.
Democrats quickly amplified the controversy. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, accused Trump of undermining America’s global standing. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona echoed similar concerns, claiming the president’s actions were harming relations with U.S. allies.
European leaders have also pushed back, defending Greenland’s autonomy and emphasizing its importance to Arctic stability. The region has become increasingly significant as competition intensifies with Russia and China over shipping routes, minerals, and military positioning.
Norway’s prime minister later clarified that his government has no role in awarding Nobel Prizes, distancing Norwegian leadership from the committee’s decision.
The renewed debate follows last year’s Nobel Peace Prize award to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado recently visited the White House and presented her medal to President Trump after the United States captured Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. Nobel officials later clarified that the prize cannot be transferred to another individual.
