Rep. Thomas Massie weighed in on President Donald Trump’s renewed push to assert U.S. control over Greenland with a sarcastic remark that tied the administration’s Arctic ambitions to the ongoing political focus on the Jeffrey Epstein files.
In a brief post, Massie wrote: “Psst, Denmark… Tell this administration the Epstein files are in Greenland… they’ll lose all interest and will never be able to find it.” The comment appeared to mock both the Trump administration’s interest in acquiring Greenland and the broader political controversy surrounding the handling and release of records related to Epstein.
Massie’s remark comes as Trump has once again publicly argued that the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons. In late December, Trump said the Arctic territory was strategically vital, citing the presence of Russian and Chinese activity in the region. He also announced the appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to Greenland, saying Landry would “lead the charge” on the issue.
Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark with a population of about 57,000, occupies a strategic position between North America and Europe and hosts key elements of U.S. ballistic missile defense infrastructure. Its mineral resources have also drawn attention as Washington looks to reduce reliance on China for critical materials. Trump has repeatedly said U.S. interest in Greenland is driven by security concerns rather than minerals.
Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s statements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen have said Greenland “belongs to the Greenlanders” and cannot be annexed by another country, even under the banner of international security. Danish officials have described the appointment of a U.S. envoy tasked with pursuing Greenland’s incorporation as unacceptable, further escalating diplomatic tensions.
Massie’s post did not directly address the strategic arguments laid out by the White House, instead using humor to criticize what he suggested was misplaced focus by the administration. By invoking the Epstein files, Massie appeared to be highlighting domestic political controversies that have drawn intense attention in Washington, contrasting them with the seriousness of international diplomacy and Arctic security.
The comment underscores the mixed reactions within the United States to Trump’s Greenland push, which has drawn criticism not only from foreign governments but also from some members of Congress, even as the administration continues to frame the issue as a matter of national defense.
