GOP Rejects Military Force
Lawmakers say cooperation—not force—is the path forward as Russia and China expand Arctic influence
Senate Majority Leader John Thune moved Tuesday to shut down speculation that the United States would use military force to take control of mineral-rich Greenland, calling such claims unrealistic and detached from reality.
Thune said reports suggesting a military seizure are being overstated and do not reflect serious discussions inside the Trump administration or Congress.
“I don’t see military action as a realistic option,” Thune told reporters. “That kind of scenario is being talked about far beyond what’s actually being considered.”
The comments come as Donald Trump continues to reassert American strength on the global stage, following the removal of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro—an action that reinforced the administration’s willingness to confront threats to U.S. interests.
Greenland’s Importance to U.S. National Security
While dismissing military action, Thune made clear that Greenland remains a serious strategic concern for the United States, particularly as adversarial powers increase their Arctic presence.
Greenland, an autonomous territory governed by Denmark, sits at the center of critical Arctic shipping lanes and contains vast untapped natural resources, including rare earth minerals essential for modern technology and defense systems.
Thune noted that he personally led a Senate delegation to Copenhagen last summer, where Greenland was a major focus of talks with Danish leadership.
“They are deeply committed to Greenland and its future,” Thune said. “That was very clear in our discussions.”
Business, Investment, and Security—Not Force
Rather than confrontation, Thune emphasized that cooperation could open the door for expanded American investment, business activity, and security cooperation on the island.
“If there’s a mutually beneficial arrangement that strengthens national security and economic ties, that’s absolutely worth exploring,” he said. “The Arctic matters—to them and to us.”
Thune stressed that a forced takeover is not being seriously considered by anyone involved in policymaking.
Lindsey Graham Echoes Trump’s Strategic Approach
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Trump, also rejected comparisons between Greenland and Venezuela.
“This is a completely different situation,” Graham said. “No one is talking about military action in Greenland.”
Graham agreed, however, that America must strengthen its position in the Arctic to counter growing pressure from Russia and China.
“There’s strong support for increasing our presence in Greenland to push back against Russian and Chinese influence,” Graham said. “That’s just common sense.”
Trump Focused on Clarity and Long-Term Stability
According to Graham, President Trump’s priority is not expansion for its own sake, but ensuring that any increased U.S. investment comes with clear legal and strategic understanding.
“If the United States is going to put more money, technology, and defense resources into Greenland, the relationship needs to be clearly defined,” Graham explained.
For now, Senate Republicans appear aligned with President Trump’s broader strategy: strengthening America’s Arctic position, protecting national security, and expanding U.S. influence—without reckless or unnecessary military action.
