US lawmakers visit Copenhagen to reassure Denmark and Greenland amid Greenland dispute
Copenhagen – A bipartisan group of United States lawmakers arrived in Copenhagen to counter renewed statements by President Donald Trump suggesting the Arctic island of Greenland could be taken over by the United States.
The visit aims to reassure Denmark and Greenland of strong congressional backing for existing alliances and respect for sovereignty.
The delegation is led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and includes members of both major US political parties.
They are scheduled to meet Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s leader Jens Frederik Nielsen.
Lawmakers said the trip is intended to reinforce trust at a time of rising global instability.
They stressed that cooperation with allies is essential rather than actions that risk weakening long standing partnerships.
President Trump has argued that Greenland is vital for US national security due to its strategic Arctic location and mineral resources.
He has not ruled out the use of force which has raised serious concern among European allies.
Denmark recently requested limited military support from European partners as a precautionary measure.
Small numbers of troops were deployed to underline the importance of collective security and deterrence.
Senator Coons said the delegation wants to send a clear message that Congress supports NATO and the US Danish relationship.
He emphasized that alliances are strengthened through dialogue and mutual respect.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned that talk of seizing Greenland undermines NATO unity.
She said such rhetoric benefits rival powers like Russia and China by creating divisions among allies.
Shaheen acknowledged that Denmark and Greenland have genuine concerns following recent statements.
However she expressed confidence that institutional checks and bipartisan consensus would prevent extreme actions.
The visiting group also includes Republican Senators Thom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski.
Their participation highlights growing bipartisan resistance within Washington to the idea of acquiring Greenland.
During the visit the Greenlandic flag was raised at the Danish parliament in Copenhagen.
The gesture symbolized solidarity and recognition of Greenland’s political status.
The congressional trip follows high level talks in Washington earlier this week.
Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met senior US officials including the secretary of state and vice president.
Danish officials later said the meeting did not shift the administration’s stance on Greenland.
This prompted renewed efforts to engage directly with US lawmakers to build congressional support.
Denmark’s foreign minister said his country is open to deeper cooperation on Arctic security.
He stressed that any cooperation must respect territorial integrity international law and the UN Charter.
Trump first raised the idea of acquiring Greenland during his first presidential term in 2019.
The proposal was widely criticized at the time and did not progress beyond public remarks.
Opposition has since grown within both parties in Congress.
Several lawmakers have said they would support legislation to limit presidential authority in such matters.
The Greenland issue has now become part of a broader debate over war powers in the United States.
The US Constitution grants Congress authority over military action not the president alone.
European leaders are closely watching how Washington handles the situation.
They fear any escalation could damage transatlantic unity at a critical geopolitical moment.
For Denmark and Greenland the priority remains de escalation through diplomacy.
Officials continue to stress cooperation while firmly rejecting any challenge to sovereignty.
The Copenhagen meetings are seen as a step toward restoring confidence.
They reflect an effort by lawmakers to distance congressional policy from controversial executive rhetoric.
As Arctic competition intensifies Greenland’s strategic importance is expected to grow.
How the dispute is managed may shape future US European relations in the region.
