Trump faces pushback from Republicans over Greenland ambitions
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Some Republicans in the US Congress have criticized President Donald Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland. They oppose even hints of using force to take control of the island, according to posts on X and statements made on US television networks.
Republican Senator John Curtis said the Trump administration should stop making threats toward Greenland.
"Strengthening our partnership with Denmark and Greenland and working with our allies to secure the Arctic is in America’s national interest. Military force is not appropriate, not necessary, and not something I will support. Full stop," the lawmaker wrote.
Other Republicans have also voiced criticism of the Trump administration.
In particular, Republican Congressman Don Bacon stressed that Greenland is a strong NATO ally willing to cooperate with the United States on expanding US military bases and signing agreements on mineral extraction.
"Most in Greenland want to remain independent with Denmark & NATO providing protection. This approach is demeaning, creates distrust, and has no upside," he said.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis also expressed skepticism about statements concerning Greenland.
Speaking on the Senate floor, he said he was "sick of stupid" and would like to see people around Trump who are capable of offering balanced advice so that the president leaves behind a positive legacy.
According to Tillis, the Greenland issue distracts from Trump’s real achievements, and those who promoted the idea should be held accountable and lose their positions.
Background: Greenland is the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark. It holds vast reserves of minerals and oil and hosts strategically important facilities, including US military assets.
Trump’s Greenland ambitions
Previously, Trump repeatedly stated publicly that he wants the United States to control Greenland. Tensions around the island escalated after a successful US special forces operation in Venezuela in early January 2026, during which dictator Nicolás Maduro was captured.
Following that operation, Trump again raised the issue of transferring Greenland under US control, calling the island strategically vital to the security of the Western Hemisphere.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president and his advisers are discussing various options for acquiring Greenland and that "utilizing the U.S. Military is always an option at the Commander in Chief’s disposal.”
At the same time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ruled out a military invasion of Greenland by the United States under a Venezuela-style scenario.
According to Politico, European governments have begun to seriously recognize the threat posed by the US president’s intentions regarding Greenland. Europe is looking for ways to protect the island from a potential takeover by Trump.
More details on why Trump is targeting Greenland and how this new gambit could threaten the world and Ukraine can be found in RBC-Ukraine’s in-depth analysis.
