Democrats Side With Denmark Over Trump
Two senior U.S. senators from opposite parties are urging restraint as President Donald Trump’s administration continues to explore options involving Greenland, a mineral-rich Arctic territory controlled by Denmark that has taken on growing strategic importance.
Republican Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, co-chairs of the bipartisan Senate NATO Observer Group, released a statement Tuesday emphasizing the need for the United States to respect Denmark’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The lawmakers stressed that Denmark is a key NATO ally with a long record of standing alongside the United States, including following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. They also noted Denmark’s recent increases in defense spending to strengthen European and transatlantic security.
Both senators pointed out that Danish leaders and officials in Greenland have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale.
The senators said that once Denmark and Greenland have made their stance clear, the United States has a responsibility to uphold its treaty commitments and respect Denmark’s national sovereignty.
White House Signals Greenland Is a National Security Priority
The statement followed remarks from senior White House adviser Stephen Miller, who argued that Greenland’s location and resources make it vital to U.S. national security interests. Miller downplayed speculation about military conflict, suggesting that discussions about Greenland should not be framed around the use of force.
Miller also predicted that Denmark would be unlikely to challenge the United States militarily in the event of a serious dispute over the Arctic territory.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s position, confirming that President Trump views Greenland as a strategic priority amid increasing competition in the Arctic.
“President Trump has made it clear that securing Greenland is a national security priority for the United States,” Leavitt said. “It plays a critical role in deterring adversaries and protecting American interests in the Arctic region.”
Leavitt added that the administration is evaluating multiple diplomatic and strategic options, noting that all lawful tools remain available to the Commander in Chief.
Lawmakers Warn of Risks to NATO Unity
While acknowledging the importance of Arctic security, Tillis and Shaheen warned that aggressive rhetoric could strain alliances at a time of rising global threats.
With Russia’s war in Ukraine continuing and China expanding its footprint in strategic regions, the senators cautioned that divisions among NATO allies could undermine collective defense efforts.
“Our strength comes from unity, shared values, and mutual respect,” they said. “Strong alliances deter aggression and ensure stability. This is not the moment for internal disputes that distract from real threats posed by Russia and China.”
Balancing Strategy and Alliances
The debate highlights a broader challenge facing the Trump administration: balancing an America-first national security strategy with the importance of maintaining strong alliances abroad.
As competition intensifies in the Arctic, Greenland’s future is likely to remain a focal point of U.S. foreign policy discussions — not just for its resources, but for its role in global security and deterrence.
