Washington (TDI): A bipartisan group of US lawmakers is set to visit Denmark this week amid rising tensions over President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Greenland.
The delegation will be led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons and will include Republican Senator Thom Tillis as well as Democrats Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin, along with several members of the House of Representatives.
Trump has suggested that the United States should take control of Greenland, an autonomous part of Denmark that hosts a US military base and is rich in strategic minerals.
While the president has said he would prefer to make a deal with Denmark, he has not ruled out other means, raising alarm in both Washington and Copenhagen.
Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concerns about the president’s comments. Senator Tillis said it is important that Congress stand united in supporting US allies and respecting the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland. Senator Durbin added that Trump’s threats are unnecessary and could weaken NATO alliances.
Read More: Trump Eyes Greenland Again, Military Option Remains on Table
Meanwhile, members of Congress are introducing competing bills. Republican Representative Randy Fine has proposed the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, which would give Trump the authority to annex the island.
On the other side, Democratic Representative Jimmy Gomez has introduced the Greenland Sovereignty Protection Act, aiming to block federal funds from being used for any takeover plans.
Read More: Greenland Belongs to its People: Six More NATO Countries Back Denmark
Denmark and Greenland have been clear that Greenland is not for sale, and diplomatic talks are scheduled this week to address the issue. The lawmakers’ visit to Copenhagen on Friday and Saturday will focus on security, diplomacy, and reinforcing alliances.
