President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcement targeting Denmark and other European allies has ignited a firestorm on Capitol Hill.
On Saturday, Trump declared a 10 percent tariff on Denmark, the United Kingdom, Norway, France, Germany, Finland, and the Netherlands, set to begin on Feb. 1 and rise to 25 percent by June 1, linking the move to a potential acquisition of Greenland.
Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both Republicans, publicly condemned the decision, warning it could harm U.S. interests and strain NATO alliances.
Trump reiterated a national security need to control Greenland against Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, while Danish and Greenlandic officials have pushed back against any forced takeover.
Tillis didn’t hold back, arguing that punishing allies for routine military training in Greenland is a misstep that only benefits adversaries like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, the Hill reported. His frustration is palpable when addressing a supposed inner circle of advisors pushing for aggressive action. This kind of infighting among allies is the last thing NATO needs.
Murkowski echoed the concern, calling the tariffs a “profound mistake” that could distance vital European partners. She pointed out that NATO resources are already being diverted to Greenland, a distraction that plays into Russia’s hands. It’s hard to argue with her logic when coalition stability is on the line.
Look at the joint statement from Tillis and Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, co-chairs of the Senate NATO Observer Group, after meeting Danish officials in Copenhagen on Friday.
They emphasized that Denmark and Greenland are ready to collaborate on Arctic security and critical minerals under existing treaties. Why, then, pursue a costly or hostile acquisition when cooperation is on the table?
Trump, posting on Truth Social, framed the tariffs as a long-overdue reckoning for European nations he claims have been subsidized by the U.S. for too long. “Now, after Centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back — World Peace is at stake!” he declared.
Denmark is also expanding its military presence in Greenland just this week, joined by France and Sweden for joint exercises.
Even within Republican ranks, there’s pushback—Senate heavyweight Mitch McConnell warned that forcibly taking Greenland would torch U.S. ties with NATO.
Diplomatic channels are buzzing, with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Greenlandic and Danish foreign ministers at the White House this week.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen admitted to a “fundamental disagreement” over Greenland’s future. That’s diplomatic speak for a deadlock, and it doesn’t bode well.
Rasmussen’s frustration is clear—he acknowledges shared Arctic challenges but rejects the idea that U.S. control of Greenland is the only solution.
Tillis, Shaheen, Murkowski, and other lawmakers made their case directly to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during their Copenhagen visit.
