Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) took to social media, to criticize President Donald Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland, stating that the president’s actions are “destroying our closest alliances” and urging Congress to intervene by saying “NO.” Sanders’ post highlights growing concerns over U.S. foreign policy amid escalating tensions with European allies.
In his tweet, Sanders specifically addressed Trump’s strategy, which involves imposing tariffs on several European nations to pressure Denmark into selling Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish control. The senator’s statement comes at a time when Trump has intensified his demands for the island, citing national security and strategic interests as key reasons.
The backdrop to Sanders’ comments stems from Trump’s recent announcement on Truth Social, where he detailed plans to implement a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, 2026. According to Trump, these tariffs would rise to 25% on June 1, 2026, and remain in place until a deal is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland.” Trump emphasized that the U.S. has attempted to buy the island for over 150 years, with previous presidents failing due to Denmark’s refusals. He argued that modern weapons systems and security programs, including those related to “The Golden Dome,” make acquiring Greenland essential for optimal efficiency and global peace.
Trump’s post also referenced the involvement of China and Russia in the region, claiming they pose threats to Greenland that Denmark cannot counter alone. He noted that European countries have recently sent personnel to the island for unspecified purposes, describing the situation as “very dangerous” for planetary safety and security. Trump positioned the U.S. as the only capable player in protecting the territory, while accusing the listed nations of risking global stability despite decades of U.S. protection.
This announcement follows heightened diplomatic friction, including a U.S.-Danish meeting in Washington earlier in the week where Greenland’s leaders rejected Trump’s proposals, underscoring “fundamental” differences. European nations have responded by deploying small military contingents to Greenland at Denmark’s request, signaling solidarity. Leaders from the affected countries have publicly supported Denmark, with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stating that “only Denmark and Greenland decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland” and rejecting blackmail.
Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called Trump’s tariff vow a “surprise,” while European Council President Antonio Costa affirmed the EU’s commitment to defending international law. Officials from Norway, Sweden, France, and Germany echoed support for Denmark, insisting tariffs should not influence discussions on Greenland’s status.
The timing of these developments aligns with broader Arctic concerns, as outlined in recent policy updates from NATO members. On January 16, 2026, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a “coordinated presence” in the Arctic through NATO to address tensions and external interference, particularly from Russia and China. Italy’s updated Arctic policy document highlights Russia’s military buildup and China’s growing interest in the region, including shipping routes and ties with Moscow. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto expressed preference for handling the issue within NATO and U.N. frameworks rather than individual actions.
Trump has repeatedly stressed Greenland’s importance for U.S. security due to its location and mineral resources, and he has not ruled out force. However, European officials point out that Greenland is already protected under NATO’s collective security, with a U.S. military base, Pituffik Space Base, operating there under a 1951 agreement allowing unlimited U.S. deployments.
Protests in Denmark and Greenland on January 17 reflected local opposition, with demonstrators calling for the territory to determine its own future. Trade experts, such as William Reinsch from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Trump’s differentiated treatment of EU countries could undermine recent U.S.-EU and U.S.-UK trade deals, which include baseline tariffs of 15% on European imports and 10% on most British goods.
Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING Research, advised Europeans to avoid hasty reactions, viewing the tariffs as an escalation but preferable to earlier threats of military action.
Sanders’ call for congressional opposition underscores domestic pushback against Trump’s approach, focusing on the potential damage to alliances within NATO, which could face collapse if the U.S. pursues territorial seizure. As of now, the White House has not provided official documentation on the tariffs’ legal basis, amid ongoing U.S. Supreme Court arguments on the president’s tariff authority.
