Republicans Bash Trump Again
A public disagreement has emerged among Republican lawmakers following Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on Denmark and several European allies, a move tied to rising tensions over Greenland and Arctic security.
The president announced a 10 percent tariff set to take effect February 1 on Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Finland, and the Netherlands. The tariffs are scheduled to rise to 25 percent on June 1 if negotiations do not progress.
GOP Senators Raise Concerns
Sens. Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski publicly criticized the move, warning that tariffs aimed at longtime allies could strain economic and defense relationships within NATO.
Tillis said penalizing allies over military training activities in Greenland could negatively affect American businesses and undermine unity among Western nations.
He also cautioned that internal divisions among allies could benefit geopolitical rivals such as Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who have sought to expand influence in the Arctic region.
Murkowski echoed those concerns, describing the tariffs as unnecessary and counterproductive to U.S. leadership in Europe.
“These actions risk pushing our closest partners further away,” Murkowski said, adding that alliance stability is critical as global security challenges continue to mount.
Congressional Visit to Denmark
The criticism followed a bipartisan congressional visit to Copenhagen, where lawmakers met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic officials.
In a joint statement, Tillis and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said Danish and Greenlandic leaders expressed a clear desire to strengthen cooperation with the United States on Arctic defense, critical minerals, and regional security — without confrontation.
“There is no demand or appetite for hostile action when allies are willing to partner through existing treaties,” the statement said.
Trump Defends Tariffs as Leverage
President Trump defended the tariffs on Truth Social, arguing that the U.S. has long shouldered disproportionate economic and defense costs for Europe.
“We have subsidized Denmark and the European Union for decades,” Trump wrote. “Now it is time for Denmark to give back. World peace is at stake.”
The president reiterated that Greenland is strategically vital to U.S. national security, citing concerns about Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic and the island’s importance to missile defense and shipping routes.
Diplomatic Talks Continue
Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met this week with Danish and Greenlandic officials at the White House.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged shared Arctic security concerns but said Denmark opposes any scenario involving military force.
Republican Leaders Urge Caution
While most Republicans have avoided directly criticizing the president, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell warned that any use of force related to Greenland would severely damage NATO and long-standing alliances.
Public polling indicates Americans largely oppose military action regarding Greenland, even as concerns grow about foreign influence in the Arctic.
For now, the White House has emphasized that tariffs are a negotiating tool, signaling that economic pressure — not force — remains the administration’s preferred approach.
