In a move that has ignited considerable backlash among U.S. lawmakers, President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs targeting Denmark and other European allies. The tariffs, starting at 10% from February 1 and escalating to 25% on June 1, are tied to ongoing U.S. interest in acquiring Greenland. This action has prompted Republican senators to voice strong opposition, citing concerns over alliance integrity, economic impacts, and international stability.
Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina explicitly criticized the tariffs as a misguided approach toward longstanding allies. He pinpointed the administration's response to allied troop training activities in Greenland as disproportionate and detrimental. According to Tillis, these tariffs not only damage American businesses but also risk undermining important diplomatic relationships. He warned that such policy decisions play to the advantage of geopolitical rivals, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who purportedly seek divisions within NATO.
Adding to Tillis' critique, he condemned advisers advocating for more aggressive measures regarding Greenland, labeling ideas of forcibly taking territory from an ally as "beyond stupid." He expressed concern that these moves could tarnish President Trump's legacy and disrupt years of efforts to solidify NATO cooperation among member nations.
Similarly, Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska registered her disapproval of the tariffs, describing them as "unnecessary, punitive, and a profound mistake." She highlighted that these trade barriers are causing NATO members to allocate resources and attention toward Greenland-related issues rather than pressing alliance priorities. Murkowski emphasized that such discord benefits Putin by threatening the stability of what she called the strongest coalition of democracies the world has known. She also urged Congress to reclaim its constitutional role over trade tariffs to prevent their use as political instruments.
The tariffs announced by President Trump encompass a diverse group of European countries — including Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — and are explicitly linked to the administration's desire for a "complete and total purchase of Greenland." Officials argue that Greenland holds vital importance for U.S. national security interests in the Arctic region.
The administration's decision has not only drawn dissent within the Republican ranks but also united voices across the political spectrum. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, condemned the tariffs as "insane," advocating for congressional intervention to block the measures and preserve critical international alliances.
John Bolton, former national security adviser, acknowledged Greenland's strategic significance but cautioned that threatening NATO partners with tariffs would complicate efforts to maintain Arctic security.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware noted his active participation in a bipartisan congressional delegation visiting Denmark to engage with Danish and Greenlandic leaders. He reiterated congressional gratitude toward NATO allies and opposition to unwarranted threats directed at allied nations.
Additionally, Representative Don Beyer of Virginia condemned the tariff plan as both illegal and disastrous, urging legislative and judicial branches of the U.S. government to intervene against the administration's approach.
These developments underscore growing tensions in transatlantic relations as the U.S. pursues territorial and security interests in Greenland. The cross-party and bipartisan resistance reflect concerns that current tariff policy could provoke economic harm and dilute the cohesiveness of longstanding alliances fundamental to broader global security.
This comprehensive opposition from lawmakers signals a critical juncture in U.S. foreign policy relating to trade and defense partnerships. The debates highlight competing priorities between advancing strategic interests and preserving diplomatic alliances essential for collective security frameworks.