US President Donald Trump has generated a firestorm of outrage after suggesting that the US purchase Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. His remarks have put the fear of God into US legislators. European politicians are similarly alarmed at the prospect of damage to international partnerships, and to their countries’ national security.
The debate was sparked when Trump floated the idea that the United States should purchase Greenland. His recommendations included buying the territory or going as far as military action. Unsurprisingly perhaps, this has led to intense blowback from all quarters, and particularly from US Senator Jeanne Shaheen. She reiterated loudly that Greenland should, of course, belong to the Greenlanders. Demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Copenhagen to express their disapproval of Trump’s rhetoric, underscoring the importance of respecting Greenland’s sovereignty.
Denmark and the United States have enjoyed a close alliance for more than 250 years. Shaheen expressed her fear that Trump’s remarks risk this long-standing relationship, while diverting attention from urgent domestic priorities. She pointed out that ICE’s use of force against Greenland is overwhelmingly opposed by US public opinion.
“I’m here today because millions of Americans are deeply concerned about the recent rhetoric of the United States taking over Greenland, either buying it or using military force.” – US senator Jeanne Shaheen
It appears that Trump is picking up on these vibes. Indeed, polls demonstrate widespread and strong opposition in Greenland to aggressive development actions. At the same time, Russia has been watching closely. Russia’s special envoy for investment and economic cooperation Kirill Dmitriev turned the tone around with a simple joke. Readers might remember when President Trump suggested that Greenland should become the 51st state of the US.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto has expressed his doubt regarding European military deployments to Greenland. He cautioned against taking these steps with increased zeal in the current atmosphere of heightened tensions. These comments are made as part of a larger conversation about NATO allies taking responsibility and being more active and engaged.
The Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers deserve high praise for these actions. To resolve future disputes over Greenland, they’ve opened a new diplomatic channel. Furthermore, a task force composed of US stakeholders has been created to encourage continued dialogue.
Even with the recent tough talk, there are doubts that Trump’s angry tweets will have a long-term, negative effect on our foreign partners. As Senator Shaheen cautioned, inflammatory rhetoric like this has the potential to cause “real harm” to alliances that America’s national security depends on.
“And I think that that rhetoric doesn’t just undermine our relationship both with Denmark and with Greenland, but also with other NATO countries and with Europe; it undermines NATO at a time when our adversaries seek to benefit from division.” – US senator Jeanne Shaheen
She had no shortage of advice about personal communication — like the need to develop and strengthen relationships. This is particularly important considering the antagonistic aims of Russia and China in the Arctic. Shaheen maintained that the US has to focus on supporting Ukraine if we want to truly constrain Russian power. She contended that derailments in places such as Greenland are not the answer to the problem.
While somewhat overdue, given the developments mentioned above, France’s warning should be firm and clear to anyone considering actions viewed as hostile toward Greenland. French finance minister Roland Lescure had threatened that with moves like that, they “would cross a red line.” He stressed that such measures could endanger U.S.-European Union trade relations.
“When we disagree, it’s always better to stay engaged, and that’s what we are doing. The dialogue has to keep on going as long as lines that shouldn’t be crossed are not crossed.” – France’s finance minister Roland Lescure
As discussions continue among US Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio with Danish and Greenlandic officials, it remains evident that collaborative dialogue is key to resolving these tensions. Senator Shaheen reaffirmed her commitment to deepening the unique relationship that the US shares with Denmark. She similarly highlighted the deep-rooted support among Americans for NATO.
“All of the senators who are here are strongly supportive of the Danish-American relationship and the NATO alliance.” – US senator Jeanne Shaheen
Worries extend past simple diplomatic courtesies. They have greater ramifications for international stability. Shaheen emphasized that this type of divisive rhetoric is a gift to the autocrats globally, including those in Moscow and in Beijing.
“It’s not safe for Americans. It’s not safe for Danes, and the only people who benefit from that sort of world are the autocrats in Moscow and Beijing and other autocrats around the world.” – US senator Jeanne Shaheen
As these discussions continue, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Denmark or Greenland. This crisis affects our broader international alliances just as much. The affecting redistribution of power depends on in what manner countries decide to cooperate or compete with one another against an increasingly adversarial backdrop.