US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Lisa Murkowski have introduced bipartisan legislation to prevent any American annexation or military operations in Greenland, amid concerns over President Trump's threats to control the territory. The move aims to protect NATO alliances and reassure Denmark, which administers Greenland. Diplomatic tensions persist, with Denmark forming a working group with US officials while bolstering its military presence.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, discussed the bipartisan bill on NPR, co-sponsored with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska. The legislation would bar the Trump administration from annexing Greenland or conducting military operations there, countering efforts to seize control of the Danish territory.
Shaheen emphasized NATO's importance, noting it as "the strongest, most effective security alliance probably in history." She highlighted Denmark's support after 9/11, when NATO allies invoked Article 5 and joined the US in Afghanistan. "For President Trump to undermine that national security compact by threatening Greenland makes no sense at all," Shaheen said. Greenland and Denmark's leaders have expressed willingness to partner with the US on critical minerals, military bases, and countering threats from Russia and China, without needing military action.
Shaheen argued that pursuing a takeover would benefit adversaries like Russia and China by weakening US alliances. "What Vladimir Putin and President Xi of China are looking at is that Donald Trump is undermining those relationships in ways that benefit Russia, that benefit China," she stated. The bill has garnered Republican support, including from Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, who joined Shaheen in a meeting with Danish and Greenlandic ambassadors last week. They affirmed the longstanding US-Denmark relationship and no need for negotiations on acquisition.
Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, after meeting Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described a "fundamental disagreement" with Trump, who wants to "conquer" Greenland. The sides agreed to form a working group on US security concerns. In response, Denmark plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, while Sweden and Germany announced they would send forces to the region, signaling solidarity. This challenges the UN Charter's prohibition on using force to seize territory.
Shaheen plans to travel to Copenhagen on Friday with a bipartisan delegation to address concerns and reaffirm US congressional support for Denmark, Greenland, and NATO. Public opinion opposes military force or buying Greenland, especially amid domestic needs like high costs and healthcare losses; Shaheen cited a potential $700 billion price tag as unnecessary.
