Senator Bernie Sanders issued a sharp critique of President Donald Trump’s stance toward Europe and his recent comments about Greenland, framing them as part of a broader effort to undermine democratic institutions and move the United States toward authoritarianism. In a post shared on social media, Sanders dismissed Trump’s arguments over Greenland as “absurd and irrational” and said they were a cover for a more serious political agenda.

According to Sanders, Trump “does not like free elections, a free media or the right of people to dissent,” and his hostility toward Europe reflects frustration with the continent’s strong democratic institutions, social safety nets, and emphasis on peacefully resolving disputes. The senator also linked Trump’s policies domestically, including the use of ICE in American cities, to a broader affinity for authoritarian regimes, citing the president’s relationships with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Russia, whom Sanders described as engaging in political repression and kleptocracy.

Together, we must defend democracy and defeat authoritarianism. pic.twitter.com/rYaow0UuO2

— Sen. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 21, 2026

Sanders contextualized his warning by invoking the history of American democracy, noting the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He highlighted the sacrifices made by Americans in the Revolutionary War and in defending democratic ideals over the centuries, emphasizing that confronting authoritarianism requires unity across political lines. “Now, in this dangerous moment in American history, it is imperative that all of us, regardless of our political views, come together to confront the grave threat of authoritarianism,” he wrote.

The remarks tie Trump’s foreign policy rhetoric and domestic actions to a broader critique of his approach to governance, with Sanders urging vigilance in protecting democratic norms and institutions both in the U.S. and abroad.