By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 16/1/2026
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has moved to reassure Denmark and Greenland following controversial remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States could seek control of Greenland, according to a Reuters report.
The delegation arrived in Copenhagen this week in an effort to ease diplomatic tensions and reaffirm Washington’s commitment to Denmark as a key NATO ally. Lawmakers stressed that the United States respects Greenland’s right to self-determination and has no intention of undermining Denmark’s sovereignty.
Trump’s recent statements, which highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance and vast mineral resources, sparked concern among European allies. His refusal to rule out the use of force to gain control of the Arctic island drew sharp criticism from Danish and Greenlandic leaders, who reiterated that Greenland is not for sale.
Speaking to reporters, members of the U.S. congressional delegation said their visit was aimed at “lowering the temperature” and clarifying that Congress does not support any attempt to take Greenland by force. They emphasized the importance of diplomacy, international law, and alliance unity, particularly at a time of heightened geopolitical competition in the Arctic.
Denmark, a longstanding U.S. ally, has warned that any aggressive posture toward Greenland could strain relations within NATO. Greenlandic officials have also called for stronger NATO involvement in defending the island, while rejecting any proposal that would compromise its autonomy.
The episode has sparked broader debate within the United States, where public opinion polls show limited support for acquiring Greenland. Some lawmakers are reportedly considering legislative measures to prevent any unilateral action by the executive branch involving the seizure of foreign territory.
As global interest in the Arctic grows due to climate change and access to natural resources, analysts say Greenland’s strategic importance will continue to attract attention. However, U.S. lawmakers insist that cooperation—not confrontation—remains the foundation of relations between Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk.
For now, the congressional visit signals an attempt to calm nerves and reinforce the message that, despite heated rhetoric, the United States values its alliances and respects the sovereignty of its partners.
